July 21, 2019

Episode #42- Contemplation of Nature with Chinua

July 21, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi friends,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* As usual, Ro and I talk about our week, including a worldwide leukena tree celebration, more singing, and love for contemplation of nature.

* Chinua guides a contemplation of nature meditation. You’ll need an object of nature for this meditation—either something you can hold and look at, or something you can see/feel.

(If you want to skip to the meditation, it’s at 06:54 but don’t skip the intro because you definitely need to hear the kids romping in the background.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I’ve been reading about Emerson, and his play between the life of action, and that free flying internal life of the spirit. Here we are for a purpose, but we still need to connect to the gentle and inspiring words of the Spirit, or we become thirsty and a bit angry, like hedgehogs.

I pray that you find that connection this week. Pour your heart out. The Father inclines his ear to you.

Love to you all,

~ Rae

The podcast will always be free, but you can support us on Patreon.com and get extra audio each month. We're so thankful for your support, which helps our communities to offer this kind of meditation and other Christ-centered practices for free. We need it! So, thank you!

July 15, 2019

Episode #41- Meditation on Light with Rae

July 15, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beautiful ones,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and I talk about the week we’ve just had, including coming home, my new book, singing, and butterflies.

* I guide a lectio divina on Light with a short introductory imagination meditation on moving around in the dark.

I used a collection of verses from different translations:

Psalm 119: 105

Matthew 4:16

John 1:5

John 8: 12

Ephesians 5: 13 and 14

Ro mentioned that she thinks this meditation is an excellent one for people who are new to meditation, so if know anyone like that, or you are new, feel free to share!

(If you want to skip to the meditation, it’s at 08:03 but don’t skip the intro because it’s a bit like a rare butterfly.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This morning I’m thinking of the seemingly endless juggling of life. Tasks, food, clothing, lists, prayers, views, talks, things to do, things to see, things to pay. And in the midst of it all, a call to come away and be at rest. I pray that you find a little circle for yourself today, a place to be at rest, even in your heart while you do the things you need to do.

Love to you all,

~ Rae

July 08, 2019

Episode #40- Imagination Meditation on Jesus healing the centurion's servant, with Neil

July 08, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beautiful ones,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and I chat about our week, including a soul care retreat, water buffalo, and food!

* Neil guides an imagination meditation on Matthew 8: 5-13

(If you want to skip to this, it’s at 08:40 but don’t skip the intro because it’s not a skimpy breakfast.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

The retreat we just had brought so many emotions to the surface, and I’m reminded of how much we need God’s help in sorting through feelings, so we feel surrounded and embraced rather than lonely in emotion. So this week I pray that you feel the companionship of God in whatever you go through.

Love to you all,

~ Rae

July 01, 2019

Episode #39- Meditation on the Jesus Prayer with Rae

July 01, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi friends,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Chinua and I chat about our week, including working with wood, music, singing, and a blessing way.

* I (Rae) guide a meditation on the Jesus Prayer

(If you want to skip to this, it’s at 07:26, but don’t skip the intro because you’ll miss Chin’s thoughts on the perfect chord.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week may you have joy, and I have joy, and all of us have deep, deep joy.

Much love,

~ Rae

June 23, 2019

Episode #38- Contemplation of Nature with Ro

June 23, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi friends,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and I chat about our week, including an embodiment workshop, immigration adventures, and the beauty of God in the midst of bureaucratic headaches.

* Ro guides a contemplation of nature meditation.

(If you want to skip to this, it’s at 10:55, but don’t skip the intro because you’ll miss some deep theological musings :) )

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray this week that you hear the still small voice of God during the days and the nights.

Much love,

~ Rae

June 17, 2019

Episode #37- Lectio Divina on 1 Kings 19: 11-13 with Naomi

June 17, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi loves,

I hope you’ve had a beautiful weekend, and if you’re in any space that celebrates Father’s Day this weekend, an excellent Father’s Day. Maybe a day of remembering, or celebrating, or even sifting through the good and bad of your experiences of fatherhood, whatever they are.

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and I chat about a busy week, shouting out to my parents, who have been married for forty years, and shouting out to Ro and Neil, who have been married for 13. Ro tells us a bit about their epic road trip over the weekend, and we chat about people on their way, people who are leaving, garden work, and moving house.

*Naomi guides an lectio divina mediation on 1 Kings 19: 11-13, reading from the Voice translation.

(If you want to skip to this, it’s at 09:50, but don’t skip the intro because you’ll miss the gardener and his whipper snipper!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray this week that you feel the expansiveness and promise of God’s love for you.

Much love,

~ Rae

June 08, 2019

Episode #36- Lectio Divina on the theme of peace with Ro

June 08, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

I’m getting the podcast out after a day of unpacking at our new house, as well as a bit of puzzle time with Christy. Good times.

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*Ro and I chat about the week, including a labyrinth, moving strong people, and singing our hearts out.

*Ro guides a Lectio Divina meditation on the theme of peace.

She reads from Ezekiel 37:26-27, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Romans 5:1, and Romans 15:13. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 07:47, but don’t skip the intro because there are night sounds! Night sounds!)

Here’s a shot of the labyrinth Joshua made at Shekina Garden.

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that this would be a week of many, many tiny beautiful things for you.

Much love,

~ Rae

June 01, 2019

Episode #35- Imagination Meditation on the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda

June 01, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*Ro is back! We chat about her travels and what’s been going on around here, including her visit to Nomad’s Land, hobbit houses, moving house, and vision talks.

*Mili guides an imagination meditation on the man beside the pool of Bethesda. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 08:33, but don’t skip the intro because if you do, you won’t hear the faint background sounds of Chinua playing jazz piano. :D)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that you find home in the heart of God this week.

Much love,

~ Rae

May 25, 2019

Episode #34- Lectio Divina on Psalm 19: 1-3 with Ro

May 25, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

We’ve had rain! It’s glorious.

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*In the introduction, I chat a bit about fences, climbing plants, and community lunch. (Next week Ro will be back for the introduction- yay!)

* Ro guides a Lectio Divina on Psalm 19:1-3. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 06:07.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week, let’s take some time to wander and see the things that God has made. Clouds, dirt, ants, and giant beetles are some things I saw today.

Much love,

~ Rae

May 12, 2019

Episode #33- Lectio Divina on Psalm 69: 13-18 with Mili

May 12, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi dear ones,

It’s Mother’s Day in some parts of the world- happy Mother’s Day! I pray that you and the mothers in your lives are surrounded by mercy.

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*In the introduction, chat a bit about what has been going on around here.

* Mili guides a Lectio Divina on Psalm 69:13-18. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 05:15.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Many blessings,

~ Rae

May 05, 2019

Episode #32- Lectio Divina on Psalm 23 with Mili.

May 05, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*In the introduction, I share a little about the beginning of the new season.

* Mili guides a Lectio Divina on Psalm 23. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 06:26, but don’t skip the introduction because I love you!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Surround one another with kindness this week, friends.

Many blessings,

~ Rae

April 27, 2019

Episode #31- Lectio Divina on Psalm 34: 1-8 with Rae

April 27, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*Neil and Ro chat about getting back to Pai, garden projects, and a quiet book club.

* Rae guides a Lectio Divina on Psalm 34:1-8. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 06:11, but don’t skip the introduction because you won’t get to hear a lizard making his podcast debut!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Be warmed by love this week, friends.

Many blessings,

~ Rae

April 21, 2019

Episode #30- Contemplation of Nature with Ro

April 21, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beloveds,

I’m posting this late after a traveling day and a long power out yesterday. It’s Easter Sunday where I am, and I am spending a week in solitude, writing and reflecting. I’m very, very thankful for the opportunity. I have a lot of work to do and a lot of silence to catch up on. The seasons are changing again, the first rains have come, and our rhythms will start up again at the beginning of May. It’s time to reflect on the last season and plan for the next.

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Neil and Ro chat about their last days in Koh Phangan and what they’ve been up to, including sweaty hikes, meditation, small furry creatures, and of course, birds.

* Ro guides a Contemplation of Nature meditation. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 05:14, but don’t skip the introduction because it knows its way to the top of a mountain!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

We would be the saddest people in the world if not for the resurrection. I pray that you would find a moment to let the reality of the glorious new body of Jesus, and all that means, make its way into your heart.

Many blessings,

~ Rae

April 13, 2019

Episode #29- Lectio Divina on Matthew 11: 25-30 with Neil

April 13, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beautiful ones,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

*I chat a bit about the quiet season of Pai, as well as talking about worry and its phantom suffering.

* Neil guides a lectio divina meditation on Matthew 11:25-30. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 05:30, but don’t skip the introduction because it is pinker than a flamingo!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

My brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces are still with us! I’m a blessed girl. Today we have plans to go and play water in the streets for Thai New Year. I pray that this week, you find a way to play!

Many blessings,

~ Rae

April 06, 2019

Episode #28- Lectio Divina on 1 John 3: 1-3 with Rae

April 06, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi meditators!

It’s been an eventful week, and here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and Neil chat about their week, with the music of cicadas, many birds, and a duck in the background. They also give a shout out to Warm Heart Community in Mexico City, who listens to our podcast every week. Don’t forget to let us know if you are listening by yourself or with a group!

* Rae guides a meditation on 1 John 3: 1-3. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 05:19, but don’t skip the introduction because it is not soggy toast!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week I have family visiting and it’s the most wonderful thing. I’m praying that this week you are surrounded by love.

Many blessings,

~ Rae

The podcast will always be free, but you can support us on Patreon.com and get extra audio each month. We're so thankful for your support, which helps our communities to offer this kind of meditation and other Christ-centered practices for free.

March 30, 2019

Episode #27- Contemplation of Nature with Chinua

March 30, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi everyone,

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Chinua and I chat about his last trip, birdwatching, music from Poland and a culinary experience that may have been better than our wedding day. (!)

* Chinua guides a contemplation of nature meditation. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 11:42, but don’t skip the introduction. You’ll miss Chinua singing Polish music!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I’m praying to be content this week, aware of the grace and love that is constantly flowing to me from the heart of God, even when I’m a bit calloused or impervious to it. I pray the same for you.

Much love,

~ Rae

March 23, 2019

Episode #26- Lectio Divina on Mark 10:17-27 with Neil

March 23, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi everyone, it’s been a good week!

Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro and I chat about Chinua coming home, veggie beds and trench digging, paper writing, and heading down south.

* Neil guides a Lectio Divina on Mark 10: 17-27. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 09:01, but don’t skip the introduction. You’ll miss my hoarse voice from the smoke!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

And here’s the photo we mentioned, of our friend Amanda preparing for her meditation group. Don’t forget to send pics if you’re using the podcast for your practice or group.

I pray that this is a week of inspiration toward action.

Much love,

~ Rae

March 15, 2019

Episode #25 - Lectio Divina on John 15:12-13, Rom 5:8, and Eph 2:4-5.

March 15, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi dear ones, I’m writing this while taking shelter from the smoke that covers the valley. Here’s hoping for a stiff wind to carry it all away!

And here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Ro is back! She and I chat about beach meditation and a puppy, trucking along, taking breaks, and writing papers.

* Adam guides a Lectio Divina on John 15:12-13, Rom 5:8, and Eph 2:4-5. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 07:06, but don’t skip the introduction, because it’s not a slight drizzle, but a gusty rain!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that this week you will find a lot of space and time to sit in the presence of God, learning from his kindness.

Much love,

~ Rae

***

March 09, 2019

Episode #24: Lectio Divina on John 15: 4-10 with Naomi

March 09, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi beautiful friends. I’m writing this while watering the very dry garden, exulting in the new sprinkler system that Neil and Josh installed in the food forest. I’m still moving sprinklers around in the front of the garden, but the back is mostly easy now! Yay! Also, Josh nearly gave me a heart attack by sneaking up on me while I had my headphones on.

While I recover, here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast

* Our friends at another Shekina location in Asia did the intro today! Well, it’s Ro, who you know, and our dear friend Laura. They chat about recording on a windy beach, art meditation, bird watching, and playing hide and seek.

* Naomi guides a Lectio Divina on John 15: 4-10, from The Message paraphrase of the Bible. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 05:40, but don’t skip the introduction, because you’ll never know what kind of birds Laura saw when she was birdwatching with Chinua and that mystery will haunt you!)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Today I feel thankful again for the breath of Holy Spirit, blowing us around, we don’t even know where.

Much love,

~ Rae

March 02, 2019

Episode #23- Lectio Divina on Psalm 139: 1-16, 23 and 24 with Neil

March 02, 2019/ Shekina Community

Hi everyone. I’m writing at my outdoor table, watching trucks and motorbikes go by, listening to loud mynahs shrieking in the trees.
Here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* Neil and I chat about the week, including smoky season, spouses in India, costumes and angler fish, being awash in papaya, and the beauty of turmeric.

* Neil guides a Lectio Divina on Psalm 139:1-16, 23 and 24. (If you want to skip to this, it’s at 08:38, but don’t skip the introduction, because it’s no dried up dirty raisin, but a plump raisin.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes.

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week I’m praying that we can all remember how much life and breath the Spirit gives, every single day, bringing life when we need it most.

Much love,

~ Rae

Ps- here’s Neil’s turmeric picture that we mentioned in the intro. Pure art!