Episode #30- Contemplation of Nature with Ro

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

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!

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

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

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. This week we want to welcome our new patron with a big thank you! Thank you Alecia Zoccoli! You are wonderful. xo

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

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.

Episode #27- Contemplation of Nature with Chinua

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

***

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.

Chai Wallah

Chai garam! Chai garam!

I sit on the beach for a Nature Meditation when the chai wallah's voice comes to me on the wind. He carries a silver urn of hot spiced tea. His young son, bouncing along next to him like an energetic puppy, carries a long bag of paper cups, and joins his dad in the call:

Chai garam! Hot chai! Hot chai!!

He makes it a game, his dad calls out and he calls out after him, echoing the pitch and cadence:

Chai garam! Chai garam!

People sitting in the sand watching the sunset give a small nod, and the man and son rush over, offering cups and pouring sweet, hot chai for each customer.

Hot chai! Good chai!

And suddenly it hits me: God is like a chai wallah.

Coming to us, God approaches with joy, telling us of blessings. All we have to do is give a little nod, signal to the Divine our openness, our readiness to receive, and God is there. Ready with sweetness. Blessing us, pouring out gifts.

Hot chai! Good chai! Chai garam!!

(A post by Ro)

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

Episode #22 - Contemplation of Nature with Ro

And… we’re back! The smoky season is upon us, and seeing the mountains feels like a far-off dream. Many of our community are away in India or other places, and here I am, sending off a podcast episode. We love you!

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

* Ro and I talk about our recent festival experience, including mango trees, dancing, painting, and singing.

* Ro guides a contemplation of nature meditation. You’ll need to have or see an object of nature for this meditation, so feel free to grab something before you start, or you could pause the meditation part way through to find something. (That’s what we do.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I’m missing walking every day, but the smoke is bad, so I’m hunkering down indoors a lot. Take a walk for me if you can!

Much love,

~ Rae

PS: here are the photos of Kenya and my live art- we mentioned them in the introduction.

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. Special thanks this week to new patrons, Nick and Beccy!

Episode #20 - Imagination meditation on John 11 with Neil

Hi beautiful ones. I hope you’re keeping warm wherever you are. It’s chilly here, but we’re admittedly soft. 

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

* Ro and I talk about how we feel about reaching episode 20 of the podcast, tree signs, Vanna White, a Devotion Circle on spirituality and play, and birthdays. 

* Neil guides an imagination meditation from John 11. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 09:46. (But don’t, because the introduction is not a waste of beans.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I’m thinking about unity and love this week. I pray that you’re feeling loved, wherever you are. 

 Much love,

~ 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.

Episode #19 - Lectio Divina on Psalm 84:1-7 with Rae

Hi friends! The light is shining through the red-leafed tree next door, and it’s beautiful, but I somehow have cactus spikes all over my hands. This is life.

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

* Ro and I talk about our week: visitors, hordes of gardeners, when you run out of steam, beloved people, and tree signs, and we have an update on life at Shekina Community in Goa, including salsa dancing, movement meditation, and Bible circle!

* I (Rae) guide a Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 84:1-7. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 08:50. (But don’t, because the introductions are witty and effusive.)

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week I pray that you would think in poems. 

 Much love,

~ Rae

The podcast will always be free, but you can support us on Patreon.com  for as little as a dollar a 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.

Episode # 18 - Lectio Divina on Psalm 119: 104-112 with Chinua

Hi, it’s a beautiful Saturday here and I’m thinking about how I want to truly know that God is taking care of everything. That’s what I’m going to focus on this week. 

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

* Josh and Ro have a chat about the week, including a prayer bead meditation, visitors coming and going, and a devotion circle about how we tell ourselves the truth. 

* Chinua guides a Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 119: 104-112 . If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 05:30. But don’t, because the introductions are really fun! 

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that you would wake up with the expectation of traveling through your day with someone who makes all things possible.

 Much love,

~ 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.

Episode #17 - A Meditation for the New Year from Psalm 90, with Rae

Hi everyone! The break has been wonderful and we’re ready to get back into life at Shekina Garden. 

We had a massive Christmas celebration and it rained exactly at midnight on New Year’s Eve, which was wet but lovely for the garden. It’s going to be a full season going forward, and we’re thankful to be here still, in this community of travelers from around the world.

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

* Ro and I chat about our Christmas celebration, meals of rice and chutney, Hungarian!, a benediction, and Leaf and Brendan’s move to Chiang Mai. 

* I (Rae) guide a meditation for the New Year or any new beginning, based on verses from Psalm 90. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 08:20

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that you would run straight into your days… full of hope and the kind of happiness that comes from eternity.

Much love,

~ Rae

The podcast will always be free, but you can support us on Patreon.com and get extra audio for as little as a dollar each month. We're so thankful for your support, which helps our communities to be here in the world. We have all kinds of expenses and your help contributes so much!

Episode #16 - Lectio Divina on Genesis 28: 15 with Brendan

Ah, beautiful things are ahead this week. We celebrate Christmas Eve with our traveler friends, both in the Shekina Community in Goa and at Shekina Garden in Thailand. Tons of food, lots of candles, light and music and stories. 

The next time we post a podcast will be after the New Year as we take a Christmas break. I’ll have the extra audio for Patrons up before the New Year, though. 

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

* Neil and I chat about introversion, garden beds, and a bake sale. Also, what’s happening at Shekina in Goa, and preparation for our Christmas Eve celebration.

* Brendan guides a lectio divina meditation on Genesis 28: 15. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 06:55.  

Here’s the show on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray so many blessings for you this Christmas. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it! 

Much love,

~ 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.

Episode #15 - Lectio Divina on 1 Peter 1: 3-9 with Naomi

Hi listeners, I hope you are well! We’re supposed to see the Geminids meteor shower tonight, and Ro and Neil went off camping to see it, but we’re under cloudy skies, so we don’t really know whether it will be visible. Hopefully the clouds will break for a little while. 

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

* Ro and I chat about the rainy weather, our benefit concert complete with clowns, the stool that Neil made out wood, and an altogether beautiful week. (PS I promised a photo of the stool but forgot to take one, so I’ll have to get you one next week!)

* Naomi guides a lectio divina meditation on 1 Peter 1: 3-9. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 07:30

Here’s the show on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that you would feel the gentle warmth of the light of Jesus this week. 

Blessings,

~ Rae

Episode #14 - Lectio Divina on Psalm 40: 1-7 with Chinua

Hi everyone, here’s what to expect in this episode of the podcast:

* We have a new patron! Thank you Leona Raptis! This podcast is always free, but you can support it for as little as a dollar a month on Patreon. 

* I was away this week, so Neil and Ro introduce the episode, chatted about passionfruit jam, an excellent discussion on race and white privilege, carpentry, and a benefit concert.

* Chinua guides a Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 40: 1-7. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 06:50.  

Here’s the show on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

This week I pray that you would know the truth of Paul’s words from Acts 17:28 — In him we live, and move, and have our being. 

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.

Episode #13 - Lectio Divina on 2 Corinthians 12: 9 and 10 with Ro

These days are so golden. The high season is upon us and I’m thinking about our fellow communities as we all gear up for Advent and Christmas. It never snows here, but sometimes it gets cold enough to wear socks on our hands. :) 

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

* Ro is back and though she was sick with a cold yesterday, she recovered enough to record the introduction with me. We chat about the week, including music and sunshine, a Devotion circle on worship, saying goodbye, a massive crowd for lunch, and a band of all skill levels. 

* Ro guides a lectio divina meditation on 1 Corinthians 12: 9 and 10, today from the Passion Version. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 10:43 

Here’s the podcast on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Have a beautiful week. Wherever you are, I pray that even when you go through hard things, you will be satisfied with the richness of God’s presence with you, behind and before.

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.

Episode #12 - Lectio Divina on 1 Corinthians 13: 1-10 with Neil

Hi, everyone, this is Rae. It’s been another full week here, with holidays (Thanksgiving, which I’ve mostly just watched friends celebrate, and Loy Kratong, an important Thai day) and kids, and community work and life. It has been busy in the best ways.

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

* We have a new voice in our introduction. Ro is away, so Neil sat with me for the first time and we chatted about the week, including seeds, yeast and treasure, drying fruit, a tonne of compost, building solar dehydrators, lanterns that go the wrong direction, and mini waterfalls.

* Neil guides a lectio divina meditation on 1 Corinthians 13: 1-10. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 09:13. 

Here’s the show on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

Be well this week. If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, take lots of time to rest and reflect. Wherever you are, really soak it in: you are loved by God, fully and tenderly and fiercely.

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.

Episode #11 - Lectio Divina on Psalm 13 with Rae

I’m writing this late on a Friday night. In many ways it has been a great week. Today I found a road I had never explored and filled my eyes with the beauty of this valley. But there was a lot of sorrow in the news this week as well, and it caused me to search out the Psalm that begins, How long oh Lord? That’s what I have for you today. 

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

* Ro and I chat about the week, including sitting around in offices waiting, thankfulness, rugby kids, sowing flowers, and harvesting roselle. 

* I guide a Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 13. If you want to skip straight to this, it’s at 09:00. 

Here’s the show on iTunes. 

Here’s the episode on Youtube.

I pray that you will know the gentleness of God’s love for you, all through every day.

Blessings

~ Rae