The Connected Way™ Podcast

FREE Essential Holiday Reconnection Toolkit

Episode 27: December Energy & Holy Days PART 1 - Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day & Advent Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

The first of Two Episodes in which we dive into the different Holy Days in December from an Interfaith and Interspiritual perspective - finding the value in each and seeing how related they really are. To explore more, join me for a Winter SOULstice gathering on 12/19 or 12/21. Learn more and sign up here.

IN EPISODE 27, WE EXPLORE:

The Pagan Wheel of the Year, Pagan Seasons & How our rhythms ideally would match the rhythms of the Earth
How the Energy of December calls for us to SLOW DOWN and some tips and tricks for slowing down
All the December Holy Days focus on the Interspiritual theme of Light Overcoming Darkness
The Origins, Meaning and Traditions of Winter Solstice, Buddhism’s Bodhi Day and Christianity’s Advent
A few ways for you to connect more to the spirituality of the season

RESOURCES

Join The Connected Collective

Learn more about the Pagan Wheel of the Year

Learn more about Bodhi Day

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ARTICLE: The Science Behind Emotional Energy: Exploring the Vibrations of Our Emotional World

Episode 26: Thanksgiving... Honoring the Grief while also Finding Gratitude Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back Friends. In this episode, I share a quick snippet of what you can expect from the podcast (and me) for the rest of the year, but more importantly, we dive into Thanksgiving. How right now, we’re being called to hold the Both/And - fear and hope, sorrow and joy, destruction and expansion, grief and gratitude. And the grief and gratitude is what we are specifically called to hold this week on American Thanksgiving.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 26 FOR:

How do we have a balanced Thanksgiving honoring the grief and tragedy of what the holiday represents for Indigenous Americans while also allowing gratitude?
Some interesting insights and truths about the history of “Thanksgiving,” the genocide of Indigenous Americans, and white settler colonialism
How gratitude literally raises your vibration (and to the same frequency of love!)
Why gratitude matters right now and some easy and effective ways to experience and be present with gratitude this season.

RESOURCES:
Learn more & Sign up for The Connected Collective
SHOP & DONATE to INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES/CAUSES
MAP: Find the Indigenous American Tribes and Nations that were the original stewards of your region
ARTICLES on HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

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Learn More About & Join The Connected Collective

Episode 25: Messy Grief, Connection, Support & Why?! (Rev Dev’s Initial Post-Election Reflections) Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

In this first post-election episode The Connected Way, I share my feelings, thoughts and experience in the first 24 hours post-election, as well as some insights, ideas and opportunities to support you as you navigate this moment and moments to come. I also share a thought about WHY?! this might be happening - where can we find meaning and hope?

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 25 TO DISCOVER:

What grief looks like and what you can expect for yourself and others
How to tend to your tenderness in these times
Where to get support
We are being called to find and foster connection now more than ever
Why might this be happening - some meaning from spiritual teachings

RESOURCES:

About the 5 Stages of Grief

Yoga Nidra I Love

Resources for Spiritual Connection & Exploration

EPISODE 23: Navigating this BIG UnBecoming Transformation is NOT Easy (or pretty)

EPISODE 21: The Astrology of The Election & Beyond with Michelle Dench

EPISODE 22: Finding Meaning, Hope & Purpose In These Times with Ganga Devi Braun (includes The Fourth Turning)

Kamala Harris’s Concession Speech
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Keegan Tatum Instagram Reel about Psychology of Politics

Episode 24: May We Choose Connection (Rev Dev’s Pre-Election Reflections) Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

In this final pre-election episode of The Connected Way, I’m sharing my heartfelt reflections, feelings and thoughts about the election and the deep divisions in our society, reflecting on all I’ve learned from the podcast conversations.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 24 TO DISCOVER:

How fear leads to disconnection and how that is playing into political strategies and decisions.
Fascinating insights from neuroscience about how conservative and liberal brains literally differ and how that can inform what we care about most.
Why I believe it is essential to engage in the election process and vote, no matter how broken you may feel our system is. It is a privilege and your contribution to the society you want to build.
A reminder that politicians are not Gods, they are our employees, so choose the ones that you feel will most effectively move your goals forward.
Some of the reasons I am voting for Kamala Harris (its not blind faith)

RESOURCES:

Vote Save America

Article about Neuroscience of Politics

Join The Connected Collective

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EPISODE 20: Learning from the Indigenous Perspective & Becoming Omni-Benificent with Pat McCabe

Episode 23: Navigating this BIG UnBecoming Transformation is NOT Easy (or pretty) Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I share the common themes I have seen arising in the more recent spiritual episodes addressing What in the World is going on in the World… Looking at themes from Pat McCabe, Rev Karla, Shiloh Sophia McCloud, Michelle Dench and Ganga Devi Braun’s Episodes, I see some relief in understanding why things may be way they are but also some purpose as well - I hope you see the same.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 23 TO HEAR:

How all of these episodes and discussions point to us navigating a HUGE amount of transition:
- From Anthropocentric to Interconnected and Interbeing
- From Toxic Masculine to a balance of Divine Feminine & Divine Masculine
- From an Era of Domination to an Era of Collaboration
- From Individualism to Collectivism
If you’re feeling that this time is particularly hard, that is valid. There is reason for it and you are not alone.
We are also part of the transformation and UnBecoming albeit necessary is challenging and lonely.
There is a place for you to connect now with others navigating these times. You do not need to be alone. The Connected Collective is available to you now.

RESOURCES:

EPISODE 12: Deconstructing Patriarchy, Reclaiming Self-Agency & Trust with Rev. Karla Kamstra

EPISODE 17: Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine - Shifting from Domination to Collaboration with Shiloh Sophia McCloud

EPISODE 21: The Astrology of The Election & Beyond with Michelle Dench

Episode 22: Finding Meaning, Hope & Purpose In These Times with Ganga Devi Braun

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Explanation of Tikkun Olam & Tikkun Hanefesh

Episode 22: Finding Meaning, Hope & Purpose In These Times with Ganga Devi Braun Oct 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Ganga Devi Braun, a fellow Interspiritual minister who is incredibly well-read and always has interesting insights to share. We discuss powerful concepts from various traditions and philosophies, some of which provide some perspective, meaning and even possibly hope amidst these wildly disconnected times.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 22 TO LEARN ABOUT:

The Jewish concepts of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) and Tikkun HaNefesh (repair of the soul) - frameworks for personal and collective healing and the purpose of life.
The Buddhist concept of Bodhichitta - the goal of enlightenment with the intention of continued incarnation to enlighten and liberate all beings.
Integral Theory & Spiral Dynamics - societal evolution on a spiral with different experiences as we evolve. And the hope Ganga has for Kamala Harris’s presidency in moving us forward.
The Fourth Turning (Strauss-Howe’s Generational Theory) - as a society, do we move through cycles of 20-30 years. Ganga sees the potential of this election to mark the end of a crisis period and the start of societal renewal.
How all of these concepts are playing out right now in history and the meaning, purpose and hope we can find from connecting with and grounding into them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Ganga Devi Braun is a regenerative practitioner, advisor, and developmental partner to the leaders, nurturers, and visionaries shaping regenerative futures.

You can learn more on her website at www.gangadevibraun.com and subscribe to her blog and podcast on her substack The Living World. She is also on Instagram @ganga_devi.

RESOURCES:

Explanation of Bodhicitta

Explanation of Spiral Dynamics
Spiral Dynamics on wikipedia including the different colors and parts of the spiral
The Fourth Turning
Wikipedia Explanation
PDF Explanation of Theory and cycles Devin refers to in episode

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Contact Rev Dev
For full show notes and resources, please visit the blog: https://www.theconnectedway.com/podcast/episode-22

Episode 21: The Astrology of The Election & Beyond with Michelle Dench Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Michelle Dench, an Evolutionary Astrologist, to learn what astrological influences are at play in this chaotic time we are living in and specifically with the election.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 21 TO HEAR:

What is Evolutionary Astrology - a way of understanding our souls journey and purpose in this life by focusing on Pluto and the lunar nodes in someone’s natal chart.
The fascinating and significant timing of the 2024 U.S. election from Pluto’s Perspective (the last time we were here was when the Declaration of Independence was signed!!).
How retrograde planets surrounding the election could create uncertainty, with potential issues around voting and delayed results - it will resolve though!
The importance of Pluto’s move from Capricorn to Aquarius, and how this will lead to a shift away from established structures to more innovation, community, and human connection.
On a personal level, how we’re being called to align with our soul’s path, prioritizing love and connection in a world facing fear and division, in order to help this transformation occur.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Michelle Dench is an Intuitive Evolutionary Astrologer, her research is in healing, trauma informed practices, looking at Relationships and Family dynamics in the Birth Chart. She is a Mother and an Artist. Michelle serves as the Administrator and Teacher for the Jeffrey Wolf Green Association of Evolutionary Astrologers. She is currently the Treasurer & Vice President of NCGR SF Chapter. You can learn more about Michelle at www.AstrologywithMichelle.com.

RESOURCES:

Subscribe to Michelle’s YouTube Channel where she shares a forecast video for the week ahead.

Follow Michelle on Instagram @astrologywithmichelle.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook

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Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining)’s website

Episode 20: Learning from the Indigenous Perspective & Becoming Omni-Benificent with Pat McCabe Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining), an Indigenous Diné (Navajo) teacher, artist, and leader. I was first introduced to her in seminary and her teachings have impacted me profoundly. In our conversation, she shares wisdom about what she believes is going on in the world, how it can be addressed, and also shares her insights on the election and her feelings about voting.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 20 TO HEAR ABOUT:

The irreparable impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and how that has impacted humanity as a whole.
Contrary to the western anthropocentric view of life (humans are the center of everything), the Indigenous perspective is that we are one part of vast tapestry or life.
Some of the ways the Hoop of Life / Medicine Wheel flows, and how disrupting the balance of life affects the entire system.
How the Earth and humans are connected to the cosmos and how energy and information is transferred between them (including the importance of mountains).
How Earth’s justice differs from human justice, and wondering if we should be putting our time and energy to Earth’s justice rather than human justice (including reparations, etc.)

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) is a Diné (Navajo) mother, grandmother, activist, artist, writer, ceremonial leader, and international speaker. She is a voice for global peace, and her paintings are created as tools for individual, earth and global healing. She draws upon the Indigenous sciences of Thriving Life to reframe questions about sustainability and balance, and she is devoted to supporting the next generations, Women’s Nation and Men’s Nation, in being functional members of the “Hoop of Life” and upholding the honor of being human.

Her primary work at the moment is:

• The reconciliation between the masculine and feminine, Men's Nation and Women's Nation

• Remembering, recreating or creating anew a narrative for the Sacred Masculine

• Addressing the Archetypal Wounding that occurred in our misunderstanding and abuse of technology in prayer, ceremony and science

You can learn more about Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) and learn her blog and see some of her talks and interviews at www.patmccabe.net/

RESOURCES:

Follow Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining) on Facebook

Land Justice Future (formerly the Nuns & Nones Land Justice Project)

6-week Course with Complicit No More: The Motherhouse Starter Series

Learn about the land you are on and the Indigenous People it belongs to: https://native-land.ca/

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Episode 19: Taking the Black Perspective & Experience Into Account with Atiim Boykin Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Atiim Boykin, a clinician, artist, and community advocate, about how major election issues impact black people, his journey from Oakland to Portland, his work in social equity and reentry, and his candidacy for City Council, blending creativity and leadership to inspire change.

TUNE IN TO EPISODE 19 TO HEAR:

Atiim’s work as a forensic intensive case manager, supporting individuals with mental health challenges as they transition from incarceration back into the community.
His role in Kamala Harris’s “Back on Track” program and co-founding San Francisco’s Young Adult Court, an initiative aimed at offering restorative justice and rehabilitation for 18-25-year-olds in the criminal justice system.
Insights into growing up in Oakland during the rise of the Black Power Movement and how it shaped Atiim’s understanding of racial equity, inspiring his career in activism and therapeutic support for marginalized communities.
The significance of representation in leadership and helping constituents to feel seen and heard, particularly in his run for Portland City Council, where he aims to be a voice for underrepresented communities and all communities.
Atiim’s creative endeavors in music, art, and storytelling as powerful tools for healing and community building.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Atiim Boykin is a clinician, case-manager, storyteller, musician, songwriter, painter and spoken word poet. As a student of and leader in these roles, I've spent more than 20 years working with non-profits, government agencies, and schools focused on providing equity, access, and inclusion to stabilization and growth resources via educational and therapeutic supports.
In terms of Employment: He currently works for the Department of Health & Human Services as a Forensic Intensive Case Manager in all of Cumberland County. He supports returning citizens with re-entry coming from state prison, county jails, or participating in community supervision through probation. Everyone he serves has a significant mental health diagnosis and other barriers to stabilization in the community at large.
A highlight to he career: He served as a staff therapist in Kamala Harris’s Back on Track program, which then led to him being the co-founder and director of clinical case-management for the Young Adult Court in San Francisco.

Atiim is now running for Portland, Maine City Council, District 2. I think he is a great choice for District 2. He wants to hear the voices of his constituents and advocate for your needs and desires. He and I spoke about his desires and one of the things he plans to do is actually connect with his constituents - setting up quarterly town hall meetings to connect and hear from them. I love that. I think Atiim is a great guy and he will be a great City Councilor when he’s elected.
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