"Generosity and Gratitude," Episode #154, December 8, 2025

Opening our hearts and souls to gratitude also opens them to both the receiving and sharing of generosity. When our hearts, souls, and minds are close--it makes it nearly impossible to give or receive gratitude and generosity.  

If you don't have a printed booklet of the reflections, you can:

Just a reminder…..

We also have Guided Meditations for Advent in our Living Compass App. You can download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"The Parable of the Generous Parent," Episode #153, December 4, 2025

You may be more familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Still, the title "The Parable of the Generous Parent" emphasizes the story's primary message: God's extravagant generosity and love.

If you don't have a printed booklet of the reflections, you can:

Just a reminder…..

We also have Guided Meditations for Advent in our Living Compass App. You can download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Grounding Our Practice of Generosity in God's Generosity," Episode #152, December 1, 2025

Our capacity to practice generosity is rooted in God’s generosity with us. There are many compasses that compete to guide our lives. The compasses of the dominant culture are strong this time of year.

Observing Advent means making a decision to make the compass of our faith, the compass of God’s generosity, our primary compass as we navigate the journey to Christmas.

If you don't have a printed booklet of the reflections, you can:

Just a reminder…..

We also have Guided Meditations for Advent in our Living Compass App. You can download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Practicing Generosity This Season of Advent ," Episode #151, November 26, 2025

Our focus for the season of Advent, which this year begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025, is Practicing Generosity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. The focus is truly on practicing--not just thinking more about generosity. There are many compasses that compete to guide our lives, and the compasses of the larger culture are strong this time of year. Let's commit to making our spirituality our compass during Advent. 

If you don't have a printed booklet of the reflections, you can:

Just a reminder…..

We also have Guided Meditations for Advent in our Living Compass App. You can download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Grief and Gratitude," Episode #150, November 20, 2025

We all carry grief and gratitude through the holidays. Learning to be comfortable with fully feeling and expressing both is crucial to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

“The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by them. How much sorrow can I hold? That’s how much gratitude I can give. If I carry only grief, I’ll bend toward cynicism and despair. If I have only gratitude, I’ll become saccharine and won’t develop much compassion for other people’s suffering. Grief keeps the heart fluid and soft, which helps make compassion possible.” Francis Weller, author and psychotherapist

Just a reminder…..

You can also download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"The Power of Looking Up," Episode #149, November 13, 2025

The Northern Lights reminded us this week of the power of looking up--the power of awe and the importance of taking a higher perspective on how the Divine infuses and enlightens every aspect of our lives. 

Just a reminder…..

You can also download the Living Compass app for guided meditations, contemplative practices, and self-guided retreats for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

And…uou can find the content of our new Living Compass app online from any web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"All Things Are Bound Together," Episode #148, November 4, 2025

 The Wisdom of Indigenous spirituality is captured in this quote from Chief Seattle:

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect."

In this episode Scott explores how this is an expression of nondual consciousness, a topic he has been talking about in the last few episodes.

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You can also download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Applying Insights of Non-Dual Consciousness to Our Everyday Lives," Episode #147, October 27, 2025

In response to several listeners' "so what?" questions regarding the previous podcast episode, Scott talks about a few practical applications of non-dual consciousness.  

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You can also download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"An Introduction to Non-Dual Consciousness," Episode #146, October 15, 2025

A short introduction to Non-Dual Consiousness as it applies to our spirituality and well-being.

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You can also download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Spiritual Lessons Animals Can Teach Us," Episode #145, October 8, 2025

Animals often provide a way for us to connect with the Divine. This is one reason so many churches this past week held Pet Blessings in celebration of St. Francis..

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You can also download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Be a Peacemaker" Episode #144, September 29, 2025

In a world beset by violence, the call to be peacemakers can feel daunting. Yet that's exactly what Jesus and other spiritual teachers ask of us.  The key: don't go it alone. Work with and support other peacemakers..

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You can also download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Faith as a Place to Heal or to Hide," Episode #143, September 15, 2025

In this episode, Scott shares how, in his journey of spirituality and wellbeing, he has sometimes used his faith as a place to hide behind a mask of self-righteousness. At other times, though, his faith has been what has taught him all that he knows about humility, growth, healing, forgiveness, and love.

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Who's Your Teacher?" Episode #142, September 5, 2025

This time of year, children ask one another, "Who's your teacher this year?" It's a good question for adults to ask as well, since we're all on a lifelong journey of emotional and spiritual growth.

Just a reminder…..

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"How Will You, How Will I, Choose Love Today?," Episode #141, August 28, 2025

 There are many compasses that are competing to guide our lives. How will you and I choose to make Love our compass today?  

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Listen to the Sound of the Genuine-A Guided Meditation," Episode #140, August 21, 2025

While Scott is on vacation he is sharing meditations from the Living Compass app. Here is a guided meditation based on a quote by pastor and civil rights activist Howard Thurman. This meditation invites us to make the genuine our inner compass.

The quote from Thurman is, "There is something in every one of us that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have.".

 

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Catch and Release," A Guided Meditation from Westina Matthews, Episode #138, August 14, 2025

While Scott is on vacation he is sharing meditations from the Living Compass app. Here is a beautiful meditation from Westina Matthews, a noted spiritual director, retreat leader, and author.

You may know the phrase "catch and release" as it applies to fishing. In this meditation, Westina expands on this phrase as it applies to one's spiritual life.  

*Westina Matthews, PhD is an author, a public speaker, spiritual director, professor, and workshop/retreat leader whose practice reflects contemplative living through “holy listening”. For the past twelve years, Westina taught contemplative spiritual direction at General Theological Seminary in the Center for Christian Spirituality. Through her thoughtful, poignant, humorous, and authentic writings, she has found a way to connect with audiences around the world.

 Her most recent books are Soul Food: Nourishing Essays on Contemplative Living and Leadership (2023); This Band of Sisterhood: Black Women Bishops on Race, Faith, and the Church (2021); and Dancing from the Inside Out: Grace-Filled Reflections on Growing Older (2019).

After living and writing in New York City for more than 30 years, she is now writing along the banks of the Wilmington River in Savannah, Georgia.

https://westinamatthews.com

 

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Blessings," A Meditation by Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB, Episode #138, August 7, 2025

While Scott is on vacation he is sharing meditations from the Living Compass app. Here is a beautiful meditation from Brother David Steindl-Rast.

Br. David Steindl-Rast, known around the world as “The Grandfather of Gratitude,” is a Benedictine monk and the pioneer of interfaith dialogue. He worked intimately with other great spiritual teachers like His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Thomas Merton, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Thomas Keating. Gratefulness, he discovered, is the common thread in all religions. The author of more than a dozen books, including Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer and You Are Here, Br. David has taught about the grateful life for more than 50 years.

Learn more at www.grateful.org

You can find the content of the Living Compass app online at https://app.livingcompass.org

You download the app for your phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Contemplative Living Is Living....Free of Illusions of Separateness," Ep. #137, August 4, 2025

This episode is based on a quote from contemplative author Thomas Merton: "Contemplative living is living in true relationship with oneself, God, others and nature, free of the illusions of separateness."  

Scott shares two recent experiences he has had in nature that remind of how deeply interconnected our lives are with on another and with God.

And just a reminder, you can download the new Living Compass app on your Apple phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

 You can download the app on your Google/Android phone at: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

 You can also access all the content in the app on your web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Root, Root, Root for the Home Team," July 25, 2025

One of the rituals we participate in when we attend a baseball game is singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Park." In this episode, Scott, an avid baseball fan (Milwaukee Brewers), reflects on the many meanings of "Root, root, root for the home team."  

And just a reminder, you can download the new Living Compass app on your Apple phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

 You can download the app on your Google/Android phone at: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

 You can also access all the content in the app on your web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

"Spiritual Lessons Learned from Riding a Bicycle," July 18, 2025

Scott is an avid bike rider and in this episode he share the spiritual lessons he has learned from decades of riding a bike.  

And just a reminder, you can download the new Living Compass app on your Apple phone at:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257

 You can download the app on your Google/Android phone at: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en

 You can also access all the content in the app on your web browser at https://app.livingcompass.org

(Click the player above to listen to this episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.

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