Tiny Shifts

Rev. Christopher Watkins Lamb leads us in an 8-minute breathing meditation using Sarah Dan Jones's Meditation on Breathing. Rev. Christopher is Foothills Unitarian's Community Minister. Community ministers extend the reach of Unitarian Universalist ministry beyond the congregation.

Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink offers a guided meditation to cultivate self-compassion. May this meditation be a reminder that when we are feeling stuck and brittle and can only see the world through a lens of scarcity - when we are most in need of a blessing - we have the capacity to offer a blessing to ourselves. This meditation is adapted from the work of Dr. Kristin Neff, who is a scholar on the topic of self-compassion. Learn more about Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/

In this 15-minute mini-episode, Rev. Gretchen guides us in a meditation and journaling exercise to notice the things that receive our attention, discern our values, and explore the intersection of the two. What matters most to you? Join us in the tiny shift of noticing the things that matter most so you can then more readily center them in your lives.

In this season that is so busy for many, we invite you to a mini-episode of Tiny Shifts where Rev. Sean offers a guided meditation to help us practice moving our bodies through the cycle of emotions and stress. Enjoy the meditation with a visual guide.

In this compelling episode, Rev. Sean fearlessly navigates the divisive discourse surrounding America's identity. Join us as we unpack the prevalent notion of America as a Christian nation and explore the divergent worldviews between Christian Nationalism and progressive theology. Rev. Sean doesn't stop at analysis; he challenges listeners to envision a more inclusive, equitable society and asks a poignant question: What are you willing to sacrifice for this vision? As part of this transformative journey, embrace our "tiny shift" challenge this week: become aware of moments when you feel irritated at being de-centered.

Caught in the whirlwind of life's demands, many of us acknowledge the ominous rise of fascism but struggle to carve out the means and time to actively resist it. In this episode, Gretchen presents five actionable strategies for rebelling against the grip of fascism. Join us this week in the tiny shift of noticing where the cult of individualism in society is holding you back, preventing you from connecting to the common good.

Join Reverend Sean and Reverend Gretchen as they delve into how churches and other relationship-centered communities can resist fascism. Explore how faith communities can serve as crucial bastions of organizing resistance and examine why and how some churches have significantly countered oppressive ideologies throughout history while others have been complicit. This discussion challenges listeners to remember the story is not all written - you have a part to play. Rev. Gretchen invites you into the transformational tiny shift of embracing a practice of "holy curiosity" this week. Notice moments when you adopt the role of a "Knower" and shift your viewpoint to that of a "learner."

Welcome to the first episode of the TinyShifts Podcast! Tiny Shifts is your sanctuary for discovering the small but mighty steps that lead to a more courageous, joyous, and loving world. In every episode, we explore a challenge of modern living and a Tiny Shift we can make in response. This episode explores the rise of fascism, Christian Nationalism, and polarization in the United States, and how we as everyday people can respond. Rev. Sean is joined by Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Stevens who discusses her experience as a progressive minister in Idaho, responding to the takeover of her community by a Christian nationalist cult. TimeStamps 4:24 Message Begins 29:07 Interview with Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevens Begins 54:54 TinyShift Practice Introduced Show notes: Rev. Cecilia Kingman's Berry Street Lecture on Fascism TinyShifts Podcast Listener Survey

Across numerous cultures, late October and early November mark an intentional time of remembering our ancestors and loved ones who have died. This week's podcast comes from our annual service of remembrance. Guests Joyce and Michael Trujillo share their own experiences of grief and loss, and we explore thegrief connections that remain to our loved ones who have died.

Rev. Gretchen Haley leads us in exploring the first time we say important words throughout our lives.

Rev. Sean explores how Courageous Love requires us to take Courageous Risks. The fear of failure often stems from the misconception that failure equates to being a bad human being. By challenging this notion and reframing failure, Rev. Sean will help us gain tools for leading a life of unleashing Courageous Love.

Brené Brown describes a common experience of "first" as TFTs, or Terrible First Times, because first times are usually not at all what we were expecting. Especially when we spent a lot of time looking forward to the first time! First times can make us feel insecure, incompetent, and out-of-sorts. We start to doubt ourselves globally. When really, it's just a TFT! This episode, we kick off a new series exploring all of our first times. We'll share strategies to help you stay present to the joy and the wonder of the first time and to help us reconnect with our bigger why that inevitably and beautifully fills our life with TFTs.

One of the loudest conversations in our culture today is about the telling of history. Whose voices are included? What perspectives matter? Who is left out? And who decides? The storytellers dramatically shape the story, after all. Join Rev. Sean as he leads us in examining belonging, equality, and the call for repair.

If we assume that democracy and pluralism are fundamental to our society, then we must also assume that anything anti-democratic or anti-diversity is a threat to our society. It is the fundamental paradox of tolerance that is playing out across our nation, not to mention in our families and in our friendship circles. In this episode, we explore the limits to our acceptance, the necessary accountability in our inclusion, and how boundaries can be acts of love.

A 10-minute meditation to stay present in the face of discomfort. Led by Rev. Gretchen Haley. Adapted from Recovery Dharma.

Join us for an enlightening conversation featuring Reverend Sean-Neil-Barron, Beckie Wagner, and Dr. Scott Denning. In this episode, we explore the profound empowerment that Earth-based spirituality offers. Learn how connecting with the Earth and the universe around us can ignite our sense of agency in shaping our lives. By remembering and centering our relationship with nature, we can reconnect with our inherent creative power.

Rev. Gretchen breaks down the concept of the Holy Spirit and its relevance in Unitarian Universalist theology.

Why do bad things happen? And where is God in the suffering? In this week's Deeper pod, Rev. Gretchen explores theodicy and the gift of awe and a mysterious God.

Revs. Gretchen and Sean answer your questions about God and Ultimate Meaning.

Through open conversation, Revs. Sean and Gretchen introduce process theology which explores God as evolving and unfolding.