The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

In this short guided practice, Jennifer builds on her conversation with Zen teacher Diane Musho Hamilton and facilitator & executive coach Gabe Kegan Wilson to explore one underrated superpower in our “growing up” toolkit: listening well. We’ve all been in those harder conversations—at work, with a partner, a teen, or a family member—where we’re either talking over each other or shutting down. In this episode, Jennifer offers a simple, relational practice to slow things down and listen in a way that softens defensiveness and deepens connection. In this episode, you’ll learn: reflective listeningnot knowingfield of relationshipJennifer reminds us that reflecting back doesn’t mean you agree. It simply shows that you’ve heard what matters to the other person and are willing to be with it—without rushing to fix, solve, or convince. Links & Resources: Waking Up and Growing Up: Spiritual Cross Training for an Evolving WorldJennifer's bi-monthly newsletterreach out here Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer speaks with Zen teacher Diane Musho Hamilton and facilitator Gabriel Kaigen Wilson about walking a spiritual path: not just waking up to our inherent belonging, but growing up into emotional maturity, flexibility, and courage. At the heart of the conversation is the tension many of us live inside—between enlightenment and the ego, urgency and presence, identity and oneness. Diane and Gabe offer practical, compassionate tools for navigating modern complexity without abandoning ourselves or each other. In this conversation, we explore: Why oneness isn’t enough to navigate conflict: How identity can be both a safe home and a tight boundary: How reflective listening calms the nervous system; Come join us for a light hearted conversation on how to trust the grit and wisdom of our entangled, modern life. Links & Resources Waking Up and Growing Up: Spiritual Cross Training for An Evolving World Real Life Programs:Two Arrows Zen Learn with GabeSubstackconnect with her work Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

In this practice episode, Jennifer England invites you into the courageous act of consenting to be undone. Drawing on her recent conversation with cultural worker and author Stephen Jenkinson (Matrimony: Ritual, Culture and the Heart’s Work), Jennifer reflects on how, in a world filled with urgency, grief, and collapsing certainties, true participation requires both patrimony (our inheritance of grief, beauty, and obligation) and matrimony (a ritualized consent with the unseen). From this larger vision, Jennifer distills a simple yet powerful practice: NoticePause and softenAsk:What might open if I allow this moment to undo me, just a little?Jennifer shares her own experience of resistance on a meditation retreat, where no breakthrough came on cue — only the slow, quiet texture of aliveness that emerged from consenting, again and again, to being undone. This practice, she suggests, becomes a counterweight to urgency and the need to fix. It nurtures intimacy with the unknown, and a deeper participation in what is always remaking itself. 🌿 If you’re navigating transition, longing for ease, or wrestling with the question what is yours to do in a world breaking open, this practice will be supportive. Links & resources— full conversation Matrimony: Ritual, Culture, and the Heart’s Workinspiring emailsInstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

In this festive wedding season, what if matrimony wasn’t here to affirm the intensity of love between two people but a courageous submission to the unknown? Jennifer speaks with Stephen Jenkinson—cultural activist, author, ceremonialist—about the necessary burdens of love through the ritual of matrimony. With characteristic poetic edge, Stephen challenges the Western obsession with autonomy, authenticity and safety and gestures toward a redemptive cultural project: one of radical hospitality, memory, and the mystery of matrimony as a village-making act. Together they dive into: This conversation reveals how ritual and ceremony thins the membrane with other worlds, makes congress with the divine and helps us honor what's come before —so we might find our place, and responsibility, in what’s yet to come. Links & Resources: Matrimony: Ritual, Culture and the Heart's Work Orphan Wisdom SchoolJennifer’s biweekly newsletter InstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

What if feeding what you love—even in the face of despair—could be your most vital climate practice? In this episode, Jennifer offers a guided practice inspired by a recent conversation with climate educator and author Sarah Jaquette Ray, who invites us to face the monstrous scale of climate change not with more fixing, but with more loving. Together, they explored the emotional toll of activism, the trap of numbness, and the surprising resilience we access when we stay rooted in what brings us joy and meaning. This practice is designed for anyone who feels overwhelmed, powerless, or stretched thin by the weight of the world—and who longs to feel more alive, connected, and steady in the long game. In this episode, you’ll take away: Join Jennifer in this quiet, potent offering—a return to what enlivens, surprises, and sustains us. Because when you feed what you love, you find others there. And together, we remember how to belong. Links & resources— email from Jennifer every couple of weeksInstagramLinkedInjennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

When it comes to climate anxiety, most of us swing between utter despair or self-protective numbness. In our doom-scrolling attention economy, these are natural, but not always helpful, responses. In this episode, Jennifer speaks with climate scholar, educator, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety Sarah Jaquette Ray to explore how we might move through the heaviest of climate emotions—without turning away, burning out, or losing touch with what we love. They explore: Together, they reflect on the emotional and relational labor of holding space during collapse, the wisdom exchanged across generations, and the quiet courage it takes not to fix—but to animate activism with love. Links & resources— Sarah Jaquette Ray's workA Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep your Cool on a Warming Planet Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter Instagram LinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

In this companion to my conversation with Joshin Byrnes on The Vowing Mind, here's a short practice of seeing those you love—and those you judge—with fresh eyes. We all carry fixed ideas of who others are: the reliable one, the difficult one, the person we think we've got dialed. In this guided meditation, you’ll be encouraged to loosen those ideas, and to meet others anew, with curiosity and compassion. This practice will help you recognize the complexity and unfolding nature of those around you—their strengths and struggles, the systems that shaped them, and the mystery beyond what we think we know. You'll experience: – A short grounding and breath awareness – An inquiry into see someone you love as whole, dynamic, and unknowable – A closing invitation to meet them again and again with curiosity. Whether you’re working with a loved one or someone you find challenging, this practice offers a potent return to presence and reconnection. ✨ You can listen to this practice before or after the Joshin Byrnes episode on The Vowing Mind, or return to it anytime you want to meet another human being more freshly. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer? In this episode, Jennifer talks with Joshin Byrnes—Zen teacher, former AIDS activist, and founder of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community—for a deeply honest conversation on his evolving expressions of activism and spirituality as he wrestles with and practices ethical action in a time of trouble. Together, they explore: vowing mindCome join us for a slow and tender dialogue about how to deepen your relational intimacy, practice and ethical inquiry as you taste the ache of being human. Content Note: This episode includes a story that references suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Resources are included below. Links & resources— Joshin Byrne’sBread Loaf Mountain ZenZen Peacemakers Jennifer’s Substack NewsletterInstagramLinkedInhttps://988.ca/https://988lifeline.org/https://findahelpline.com Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Ever find yourself caught in a loop of analyzing what you're feeling—trying to think your way through the ache, the confusion, the rage, the numbness? Or find that it feels easier to let your mind fix or solve the hard things rather than sense in or move with them? In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites you into a somatic experience of feeling—beyond story, solving and fixing. Inspired by her recent conversation with therapist and writer Lisa Olivera, you’re invited to drop the narrative and let music, movement, and presence guide you into a relationship with aliveness. You’ll be guided through: exactly where you areWhether you're overwhelmed, can't access how you're feeling, or somewhere in-between, this episode offers a powerful way to grow your fluency in feeling—by letting your body lead. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

What if pain isn’t something to fix or escape—but a wise, living presence asking for our attention? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with writer and therapist Lisa Olivera for a heartfelt conversation about relating to pain as a wise teacher, rather than an adversary. Drawing from Lisa’s personal journey—shaped by early experiences with a culture that teaches us to avoid pain—they explore: This episode invites you to deepen your fluency with feeling —in your body, the mystery of life and one another. Links & Resources: Lisa’s therapeutic and written workHuman StuffAlready EnoughJennifer’s biweekly newsletter InstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Ever feel awkward in trying to express, connect or attune to another? Ever interpret your awkwardness as a failure? In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites us to explore mispronunciation not just as a linguistic slip, but as a relational metaphor. Inspired by recent conversations with X'unei Lance Twitchell, you’re invited to notice the moments you "miss the mark" in connection—and to consider what might be fertile, even beautiful, in the in-between. You’ll be guided through: Whether you're navigating a tough moment with a loved one or reflecting on your own self-expression, this episode is a chance to pause and relate differently to misunderstanding itself. Links & resources— InstagramLinkedInjennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

How might a willingness to cross thresholds of understanding help us access wilder and more intimate ways of knowing? In this episode Jennifer talks with X’unei Lance Twitchell—Indigenous language teacher, poet and scholar—who shares his deeply personal journey of reclaiming the Tlingit language. From an early longing to connect with his grandfather to challenging the violence of cultural erasure, X’unei invites us into the healing and transformative role language plays in decolonization and community renewal. In this episode, you'll learn: Join Jennifer and X'unei for a conversation that invites you to listen through the words—to the generous heartbeat of a community and culture remaking itself. Links & resources— X’unei Lance TwitchellMolly in DenaliGagaan X'usyee/Below the Foot of the Sun: PoemsJennifer’s Substack newsletterInstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

What does it mean to be engaged in a world that feels like it’s breaking? In this preview of Season 4 of Tension of Emergence, Jennifer England shares the heart of the new season’s inquiry—a living koan that has been shaping her own writing and leadership: how do we act with love and integrity in a time of rupture and collapse, without rushing to fix or save a world that may not need our saving? With a magical cadre of guests, Jennifer explores tensions we’re told to resolve—between urgency and spaciousness, grief and creativity, doing and being. With the backdrop of global upheaval, she asks: Tune in to discover what it means to live at the edge of uncertainty—curiously, generously, and awake. Season 4 offers a sanctuary of emergence- and place to be honest in the mess of it all. Come follow along for deep dives, and micro-practice episodes, to nourish this season of collective stretch. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Does joy sometimes feel hard to access? Ever find yourself focusing more on where you’re suffering or experiencing pain? Or perhaps you find it easy in this season of your life but want to experience joy even more? In the last micro-episode of Season 3, Jennifer guides you to amplify joy on three different levels: the gross, subtle and causal. She encourages you to enhance the experience of joy, even amidst pain and includes a suggestion to explore the Buddhist practice of Tonglen if you’re facing difficult times. If you play with this practice and have an insight you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources— Jennifer’s newsletterInstagramLinkedInjennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

We’ve been talking about “feeling more” so we can access more wisdom in our leadership, but what if we’re really good at avoiding pain? In the final week of season three of the Tension of Emergence, Jennifer delves into the question of how to work with personal and collective pain with the co-founder of Mobius Executive Leadership and expert in trauma-informed development, Amy Elizabeth Fox. Together they break down the illusory binary between the personal/professional, individual/collective and pain/joy. They also share— Tune in for an in-depth exploration of how to work with personal and collective pain so that you can access more joy, presence and liberation. Links & resources— Mobius Executive LeadershipLinkedINInstagramLinkedInhere Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with modern-day mystic and teacher Cynthia Bourgeault. Instead of virtues being a static object we have, they can be thought of as active agents of change. Jennifer offers a two-part practice to help you leverage your unique personal virtues (and power) to transform a current challenge. In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal example and emphasizes the importance of practice as a dynamic process of learning from your direct experience. If you play with this practice and have an insight you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources— Jennifer’s newsletterInstagramLinkedInjennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer talks with modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, author and teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault about how our global breakdown might be a breakthrough. Weaving together science, philosophy and spiritual traditions they talk about the evolution of human consciousness and how to nourish and feed the collective. In this episode they share- Tune in to this beautiful conversation to learn the subtle art of cosmic reciprocity and discover why we’re more resilient and creative than we think. Links & resources— websiteCynthia’s booksWisdom WaypointsSubstackher on IGLinkedIN Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Jennifer offers a practice to dispel the myth that a regulated nervous system equates to calmness and neutrality. Drawing on insights from somatic experiencing practitioner Kimberly Ann Johnson, she emphasizes the importance of practicing flexibility in your nervous system to manage life's challenges. Jennifer introduces a playful practice of friendly wrestling to help you activate latent energy, track sensation, support an energetic re-set and make way for necessary expression, movement or boundaries. This practice contributes to your understanding of the activation-receptivity energetic pole so you can access greater aliveness and discernment. If you have an insight from this practice that you'd like to share, we'd love to hear! Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Links & resources— Jennifer’s newsletterInstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Transformational growth can be aided by mindset shifts but deeper change is initiated and sustained through the body. Jennifer talks with Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner, educator and author Kimberly Ann Johnson about how to develop receptivity and activation so you can practice radical responsibility. Together they explore: Tune into this honest and refreshing conversation about how to embrace your body as a portal to greater intimacy, possibility and liberation. Links & resources— Kimberly Ann JohnsonInstagramSex, Birth, TraumaJennifer’s newsletterInstagramLinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Feeling overwhelmed, brokenhearted, anxious or "can't even" these days? Amidst it all, we often want to "take the edge off" to feel better. But what if our "edges" have wisdom we need to hear. Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with Madeline Shaw, to help you lean into your 'edginess' and discover what you need most. If you play with this practice and have a story or insight you'd like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources— weekly inspiring emailsInstagramLinkedInjennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.