In their final Fire and Light conversation, Tessa and Dave celebrate the Twelfth Day of Christmas, or Feast of the Epiphany. Take a break from commercialized Christmas, latch onto a star, and linger in Bethlehem as the violent empire goes back to business. Celebrate wise women and men who still follow stars.
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36:33
The Seed and the Space That Changed You
What is the most important transitional moment in your life? Or are there several? Tessa and Dave look back on their early years in Sedona, Arizona. There they discovered an earthy mysticism of gardening, reading, and moonrises that kindled a flame of wonder and sowed the seeds of contemplation that transformed their lives. They encourage you to reflect on the moment and the place that set your life on a new course.
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32:55
The Desert Experience
What comes to mind when you think of the desert? Does it sound beautiful? Ominous? Both? Find out how "desert rats," from author Edward Abbey to artist Georgia O'Keeffe, express the wonder and solace they find in desert landscapes. Learn how indigenous desert dwellers describe their homelands. For some souls, the desert is the ideal place to listen for God. And what do we mean by an "inner desert"? We conclude this conversation with a meditation on the Sonoran Desert at dawn.
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31:43
Joy As Resistance
Is your life joyful? Do you think everyone has a right to joy? How do we keep joy alive in the midst of so much sorrow in the world? Can we practice it? And what do we mean by joy as resistance? Dave and Tessa grapple with these questions and more in our latest podcast.
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35:26
Return to the Wild
Is wilderness important in our lives? Tessa and Dave describe a recent trip to Death Valley and reflect on what struck them most in that vast, wild, empty landscape. They discuss the “practice of the wild” and the joy of encountering our liberating smallness in communion with ancient stone and starlit nights. (Good news: we are upgrading our recording equipment this month. Expect improved sound quality in our April podcast.)
A New Podcast, Hosted by Tessa Bielecki and David DennyComing in January 2023!We are two old friends who lived in monasteries out in the wilderness for fifty years. Now we're "urban hermits" in Tucson, Arizona and long to share conversations with you about living sanely and contemplatively in the midst of engaged lives in the world. We wonder how to keep love alive and celebrate everyone in the great Circle of Life. We're honest about what sometimes keeps us awake at night and offer stories of hope that can bring us light and set our hearts on fire. Join us as we ponder life, love, and soul.
New Zealand