The final episode of season 4 of “Coping” discusses the spiritual practice of celebration as outlined in Adele Calhoun's book 'Spiritual Disciplines'. Learn about the importance of celebration, gratitude, and remembering God's faithfulness, even during difficult times. The discussion concludes with a guided celebration meditation.

Highlights

Introduction and Milestone Reflection

Kathy and Kevin acknowledge reaching the milestone of 107 episodes and the end of the 4th season of their podcast 'Coping'. They express gratitude for the podcast's evolution and their partnership, reflecting on the work and resources invested in producing the episodes.

Childhood Experiences with Celebration

We share our childhood experiences with celebration, including typical celebrations like birthdays, holidays, and gatherings with family.

Spiritual Practice of Celebration

We discuss Adele Calhoun's book 'Spiritual Disciplines' and the chapter on celebration as a spiritual practice, highlighting the idea that God celebrates and that celebration can enlarge one's capacity to enjoy and serve God, even in imperfect circumstances.

Daily and Weekly Celebration Practices

Learn about our daily and weekly celebration practices, such as sharing sweet treats, reflecting on photo memories from previous years, and expressing gratitude. It is important to celebrate, even during difficult times, as a way to find joy and connection.

Monthly and Yearly Celebration Traditions

We discuss their monthly practice of celebrating their anniversary and their annual 'Year in Review' tradition. This involves reflecting on the past year through a series of prompts, remembering challenges and victories, and expressing gratitude.

Importance of Celebration and Remembrance

Kathy and Kevin emphasize the significance of celebration and remembrance in building faith, hope, and courage for the future. They discuss how reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past provides strength and hope for present and future challenges.

Celebration Meditation

The episode concludes with a guided celebration meditation adapted from Heidi Coker. The meditation encourages listeners to acknowledge and celebrate daily victories and miracles, visualizing receiving a medal or trophy and basking in the moment of joy.

This blessing covers nine sacred spiritual pathways, each tailored to different ways of connecting with the divine. It acknowledges the diverse spiritual needs and inclinations of individuals, offering guidance and affirmation for each pathway. Please enjoy!

May naturalists find the creator in nature's beauty, seeing God's cathedral in the grand expanse, and find renewal in the beauty of creation.

May sensates experience the divine through every sense, feeling God's presence in worship melodies and sacred art's beauty.

May rituals and symbols of faith deepen ascetics' experience of the divine and be a source of strength and inspiration.

May solitude and simplicity bring traditionalists closer to the divine, and may their lives testify to simplicity and devotion.

May intellectuals' pursuit of knowledge and wisdom bring them closer to God, and may their knowledge enrich and bless others.

May caregivers' acts of service and kindness reflect God's love, and may their service bring joy and fulfillment to those in need.

May the mysteries and celebrations of faith fill enthusiasts' spirits with awe and wonder, and may their journey be marked by joy and reverence.

May contemplatives' reflections and stillness bring them closer to the divine, and may they find peace in God's presence.

May activists' advocacy and efforts for justice reflect God's love and righteousness, and may their actions be guided by compassion and faith.

In this episode of “Coping”, Kevin and Kathy discuss various spiritual pathways and practices for nurturing one's soul and faith. We discuss Gary Thomas's book 'Sacred Pathways' which outlines nine different pathways: naturalists, sensates, traditionalists, aesthetics, intellectuals, caregivers, enthusiasts, contemplatives, and activists. Also provided is an overview of each pathway and our personal experiences and suggesting practical ways to engage with each one.

It is important to find practices that resonate with one's unique spiritual needs and Be Well Resources encourages listeners to explore the pathways further through the book and accompanying resources.

Spiritual pathways quiz: https://groupleaders.org/curriculum-feed/spiritual-pathways-activity#personal-assessment

Be Well Resources Pathways Guide: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFys-kZ0Dc/qRxkNIbbJIvU3V0xs1fJaw/edit?utm_content=DAFys-kZ0Dc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Gary Thomas, “Sacred Pathways” book: https://www.amazon.com/shop/actorkevin/list/33DKQI838HB65?linkCode=spc&tag=kevindeegan-20&domainId=influencer&asc_contentid=amzn1.ideas.33DKQI838HB65