Discovering The Sacred In Everyday Life With Mirabai Starr

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In this conversation, Mirabai Starr, acclaimed author and translator of mystical texts, shares how ordinary moments—like washing dishes or walking in nature—can be transformed into sacred experiences. Drawing on the wisdom of saints like Teresa of Ávila and Brother Lawrence, she encourages us to embrace our daily lives as a spiritual practice. Starr says, "God lives among the pots and pans. Being a mystic means experiencing the sacred in your everyday life—while stirring the soup, taking a walk, or in the embrace of a loved one." She also points to the decline of organized religion and the importance of deconstructing inherited beliefs to foster direct spiritual experiences. Whether through nature, creativity, or intimate relationships, Starr shows us how to access the sacred, even in city parks or during everyday activities. Her reflections on suffering, love, and mysticism provide profound insights into how we can experience the divine in the immediacy of our lives. (hosted by Travis Glen Sebara)

Bio:

Mirabai Starr has taught philosophy and world religions at the University of New Mexico, Taos, for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and the interspiritual dialogue. She's a certified bereavement counselor and travels the world speaking and giving workshops on contemplative practice and the teachings of the mystics.

Mirabai Starr is the author and editor of many books including:

• Dark Night of the Soul: St. John of the Cross (Riverhead 2003)
• The Interior Castle: St. Teresa of Ávila (Riverhead 2004)
• Devotion, Prayers & Living Wisdom (Sounds True - six-volume Christian mystics series 2008)
• God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity & Islam (Monkfish 2012)
• Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics (Sounds True 2018)
• Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life As Sacred Gound (HarperOne 2024)

 To learn more about the work of Mirabai Starr go to www.mirabaistarr.com.

Topics explored in this dialogue include:

• The sacredness of daily life
• Deconstructing inherited spiritual beliefs
• How suffering can open us to mystical experiences
• The role of nature and creativity in fostering spiritual connection
• Insights from Teresa of Ávila, Brother Lawrence, and other mystics
• Love and intimate relationships as paths to mystical experience
• The humanity of spiritual teachers and their imperfections
• Community and the well-being of all as central to spiritual growth

Host: Travis Glen Sebera    Interview Date: 9/13/2024   Program Number: 3828

Music Playlist

From Album: Gratitude
Artist: David Darling

Opening Essay: Track 05 Gratitude
Music Break 1: Track 05 Gratitude (cont.)
Music Break 2: Track 06 Illumination
Music Break 3: Track 05 And Grace