In my conversation I speak with author Sarah Billups about her new book, 'Nervous Systems,' which explores the intersection of anxiety, caregiving, and spirituality. We discuss the importance of presence in everyday life, the beauty found in ordinary moments, and the interconnectedness of suffering and joy. Sarah shares her insights on self-kindness, the challenges of caregiving, and the need for compassion in a divided world. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, writing, and the pursuit of love and acceptance as essential elements of living a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

The importance of presence in enjoying meals and life experiences.
Anxiety is a common experience, even for those who don't identify with it.
Caregiving can be both challenging and beautiful, offering moments of presence.
Finding beauty in ordinary moments can lead to deeper appreciation of life.
Suffering and joy are interconnected, providing a fuller understanding of life.
Practicing mindfulness can help us slow down and appreciate life.
Self-kindness is essential for personal well-being and kindness to others.
Learning to lose can foster compassion and understanding in relationships.
The pursuit of love and acceptance is a fundamental human desire.
Writing can transcend time and connect us with others' experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Billups and Her Work
02:58 The Impact of Food and Presence
05:53 Navigating Anxiety and Caregiving
11:52 The Role of Care in Life's Challenges
15:07 Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments
20:19 Desire, Control, and Acceptance
25:36 The Importance of Letting Go
28:16 Learning to Lose in a Divided World
30:35 Raising Compassionate Kids
31:38 Historical Context of Division
32:31 The Beauty of Grace in Sports
35:19 The Power of Words and Writing
38:58 Finding Connection Through Literature
41:11 The Role of Fiction in Understanding
43:15 The Illusion of Wellness
45:29 The Quest for Dignity
48:28 Practicing Kindness
52:10 Embodiment and Spirituality
53:16 Living an Integrated Life

In my conversation, with Heath Hardesty, pastor, and author of All Things Together:How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.

Heath explores the profound effects of sin on humanity, emphasizing how it dehumanizes individuals and obscures the beauty of the world. He discusses the importance of being in a relationship with the Creator to process grief and cultivate gratitude, which are essential for true joy. We talk about how fiction informs reality and how stories help us better understand the world. Heath is able to show through his new book, how apprenticeship is the way we are formed.

Takeaways

Sin compresses us and desaturates the beauty from the world.
We become wonder blind due to sin.
Healthy processing of grief is possible when our heart is aligned with God.
Lamenting can be a healthy expression of grief.
Offering our grief to God allows for redemption and transformation.
Gratitude is essential for experiencing true joy.
A relationship with the Creator is fundamental for healing.
Without gratitude, joy cannot exist in the human soul.
The great Giver provides us with reasons to be thankful.
Healing comes through connection with God.

In my conversation with J.R. Briggs the author of The Art of Asking Better Questions:Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith.

J.R. discusses the transformative power of asking better questions and how they can lead to deeper relationships, personal growth, and a more integrated life. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality, curiosity, and the role of questions in fostering community and connection.

Through personal anecdotes and insights, J.R. illustrates how living with arrows pointing out—focusing on others—can create a more fulfilling and joyful existence. He also explores the neuroscience behind questions, the four levels of questioning, and how Jesus exemplified the art of inquiry in his ministry.

Dr. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to equipping leaders through the intersection of spiritual formation and actionable leadership. An author of 15 books and host of the Resilient Leaders podcast, he also serves as a university instructor and denominational director.

Takeaways

Asking better questions can lead to deeper relationships.
Hospitality is a healing practice that benefits both the host and the guest.
Living with arrows pointing out encourages selflessness and community engagement.
Curiosity is essential for personal growth and understanding others.
Questions can transform conversations and create connections.
The four levels of questions help deepen interactions and understanding.
Jesus modeled the importance of asking questions in his ministry.
Celebration and joy are vital components of community and relationships.
Living an integrated life requires awareness of our masks and vulnerabilities.
Depth in conversations is more valuable than efficiency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of J.R. Briggs
02:16 Cultural Roots and the Power of Food
05:32 The Importance of Hospitality and Community
07:14 Living with Arrows Pointing Out
10:04 Celebration and Joy in Life
12:39 Transforming Self-Criticism into Curiosity
15:52 The Art of Asking Better Questions
18:11 Curiosity as an Invitation
20:49 The Impact of Questions on Our Brains
22:49 Four Levels of Questions
31:13 Vulnerability in Asking Deeper Questions
34:26 Jesus and the Power of Questions
37:33 The Power of Questions in Engagement
39:45 Jesus as a Model for Asking Questions
41:17 The Depth of Questions vs. Answers
44:16 Inefficiency vs. Effectiveness in Leadership
46:30 The Importance of Asking Questions
48:35 Rediscovering Curiosity and Playfulness
52:52 The Impact of Questions on Personal Growth
56:07 Living an Integrated Life Through Questions