Swimming Upstream

In this episode host Gordon Collier reflects on silence, solitude, and spiritual renewal through the lens of the TV show The Bear—especially Richie Jaramovich’s transformation when placed in a calm, disciplined environment. Gordon connects that story to spiritual practice, offering questions to help listeners slow down, become more attentive to God, and find rest before returning to their daily vocations. He closes by inviting listeners to reach out for guidance.

Welcome to your evening Examen. This episode is meant to be used as a tool that you can use each day this week to prayerfully reflect on those things you are grateful to God for, where you saw God at work in your life, anything that he has invited you into, spoken to and anything that you may need to repent of.

In God's presence is fullness of joy; in His right hand (i.e. in Himself) there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11 You are listening to the Living Centered Podcast. The world is a noisy place, full of activity and it can be hard to notice God throughout our day. My hope is that through these podcast episodes you will practice a preference for God and become more attentive and responsive to his constant invitation.   Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠   Visit our website at ⁠⁠https://compasscenterva.org/⁠⁠ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected] Words for the internet: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, spiritual transformation, spiritual formation, spiritual direction, spiritual director, church, spiritual disciplines, habits, spiritual practices, lectio divina

Lectio Divina; What is it? Why should we practice it and how do you do it? You are listening to the Living Centered Podcast. The world is a noisy place, full of activity and it can be hard to notice God throughout our day. My hope is that through these podcast episodes you will practice a preference for God and become more attentive and responsive to his constant invitation.   Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠   Visit our website at ⁠⁠https://compasscenterva.org/⁠⁠ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected] Words for the internet: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, spiritual transformation, spiritual formation, spiritual direction, spiritual director, church, spiritual disciplines, habits, spiritual practices, lectio divina

Welcome to your evening Examen. This episode is meant to be used as a tool that you can use each day this week to prayerfully reflect on those things you are grateful to God for, where you saw God at work in your life, anything that he has invited you into, spoken to and anything that you may need to repent of. God Bless, Gordon Collier Spiritual Director

Welcome to you daily examen. The examen is a spiritual formation tool for self-reflection. It can be used daily, weekly, or even monthly. Like a date night with your significant other, the answer to “how often?” really is: As often as you want. As often as helps. All healthy relationships require intentionality. They never just happen. Why wouldn’t you want to check in with God daily? Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠   Visit our website at ⁠⁠https://compasscenterva.org/⁠⁠ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected]

The decision to get out of bed is the decision to live. It is a claim that life is worth living despite the risk and uncertainty and the inevitability of suffering—one of the few things we can know for certain in this life.” ― Alan Noble, On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living You are listening to the Living Centered Podcast. The world is a noisy place, full of activity and it can be hard to notice God throughout our day. My hope is that through these podcast episodes you will practice a preference for God and become more attentive and responsive to his constant invitation.   Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠   Visit our website at ⁠https://compasscenterva.org/⁠ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected] Words for the internet: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, spiritual transformation, spiritual formation, spiritual direction, spiritual director, church, spiritual disciplines

Welcome to you daily examen. The examen is a spiritual formation tool for self-reflection. It can be used daily, weekly, or even monthly. The frequency is not important. Nurturing one’s relationship with God is. Like date night with your significant other, the answer to “how often?” really is: As often as you want. As often as helps. All healthy relationships require intentionality. They never just happen. Why wouldn’t you want to check in with God daily? Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠   Visit our website at ⁠https://compasscenterva.org/⁠ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected]

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” ― Deitrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship Living as a follower of Jesus in today's world is like swimming against a powerful current. It's a journey that demands constant reminders, instruction, and encouragement. Why? Because as followers of Christ, we are called to embrace and embody a set of principles and values that often stand in stark contrast to those promoted by society. This reality necessitates the support of fellow believers as we navigate this challenging and sometimes perilous path upstream. SHOW NOTES   You are listening to the Living Centered Podcast. The world is a noisy place, full of activity and it can be hard to notice God throughout our day. My hope is that through these podcast episodes you will practice a preference for God and become more attentive and responsive to his constant invitation.   Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at [email protected]   Visit our website at https://compasscenterva.org/ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected] Internet words: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, spiritual transformation, spiritual formation, spiritual direction, spiritual director, church, spiritual disciplines

Welcome to you daily examen. The examen is a spiritual formation tool for self-reflection. It can be used daily, weekly, or even monthly. The frequency is not important. Nurturing one’s relationship with God is. Like date night with your significant other, the answer to “how often?” really is: As often as you want. As often as helps. All healthy relationships require intentionality. They never just happen. Why wouldn’t you want to check in with God daily? Interested in learning if Spiritual Direction is right for you? Email me at [email protected]   Visit our website at https://compasscenterva.org/ ABOUT & CONTACT Gordon Collier, Spiritual Director Husband, Father to two grown adults and former corporate professional Contact: [email protected]