Peace on The Doorstep

Sarah Carling Polk

Exploring how ancient wisdom + embodied practice can revive faith in a culture spinning off its axis. thedoorstep.substack.com

  1. Everything Belongs: Embracing Contemplation, Simplicity, and Faith - Part 2

    04/16/2025

    Everything Belongs: Embracing Contemplation, Simplicity, and Faith - Part 2

    In this 2-part episode of Peace on the Doorstep, Sarah Polk reviews Richard Rohr's book, Everything Belongs. She explores themes of contemplation, ego, humility, prayer, free will, and the nature of forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and embracing transformation while navigating the complexities of faith and identity. Sarah reflects on the role of the prophet in society and the need for a third way in addressing societal issues, ultimately concluding with a call for reconciliation and understanding in a divided world. Takeaways * Contemplation must always take priority over action. * The struggle with identity can lead to apathy. * Prayer serves as a focusing apparatus for understanding. * Free will is essential for personal responsibility. * The holy fool embraces uncertainty and lack of knowledge. * Trusting ourselves is crucial for spiritual growth. * Forgiveness is given before it is earned. * Surrendering to the flow of life leads to peace. * Transformation requires letting go of old beliefs. * The prophet's role is to combine the best of both sides. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Book Review 00:56Ego and Soul: The Importance of Contemplation 03:17The Struggle with Identity and Humility 05:40Prayer as a Focusing Apparatus 08:27The Concept of Free Will and Personal Responsibility 10:50The Holy Fool: Embracing Uncertainty 12:42Trusting Ourselves and God's Love 13:37Forgiveness and the Nature of Meritocracy 14:32Surrendering to the Flow of Life 15:30Return to the Sacred: Embracing Transformation 17:48Finding the Third Way in Faith 19:09The Role of the Prophet in Society 20:37Conclusion and Reflection on the Book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedoorstep.substack.com

    21 min
  2. Everything Belongs: Embracing Contemplation, Simplicity, and Faith - Part 1

    04/10/2025

    Everything Belongs: Embracing Contemplation, Simplicity, and Faith - Part 1

    In this episode of Peace on the Doorstep, Sarah Carling Polk delves into Richard Rohr's book 'Everything Belongs,' exploring themes of contemplation, identity, and the nature of prayer. The conversation highlights the challenges of reaching the center of ourselves amidst societal dualism, the evolution of prayer towards simplicity, and the importance of embracing a beginner's mind. Polk reflects on her personal journey through liminal spaces and the significance of living in the present moment, emphasizing the need for love and understanding in a fragmented world. * Contemplation requires embracing silence and solitude. * Religion can create obstacles in our relationship with God. * Many gravitate towards extreme expressions of faith. * Living ourselves into new ways of thinking is essential. * Spiritual disciplines help us be truly present. * A beginner's mind is crucial for understanding faith. * Liminal spaces can lead to transformation. * True power lies in vulnerability and descent. * Each moment should be held in reverence. * We are all broken and united by grace. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Contemplation and Richard Rohr 01:28 Exploring the Center and Circumference of Faith 06:38 The Struggle with Identity and Community 07:53 Evolving Understanding of Prayer 12:34 Cultivating a Beginner's Mind 15:15 Navigating Liminal Spaces and Transformation 17:08 Living in the Now: Ego and Soul This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedoorstep.substack.com

    18 min
  3. Stillness in the Storm: Exploring Mysticism, Lectio Divina, and Non-Dual Thinking

    03/29/2025

    Stillness in the Storm: Exploring Mysticism, Lectio Divina, and Non-Dual Thinking

    Send us a text In the Season 2 premiere of Peace on the Doorstep, we’re diving deep into the transformative world of contemplative Christianity. This episode explores the profound practice of Lectio Divina, a meditative way of engaging with Scripture that prioritizes reflection and personal connection with God. I share my personal journey with Psalm 46 — how it resonated in unexpected ways despite my struggles with aphantasia — and what it taught me about finding refuge in chaos. We’ll unpack the mystical traditions of Christianity, from the quiet power of silence and solitude to the complexities of non-dual thinking that challenge black-and-white views of faith. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of the world or curious about finding God beyond doctrine and debate, this episode offers a reflective space to pause, listen, and simply be. Tune in to hear why sometimes the most profound spiritual growth happens when we let go of control, embrace the mystery, and allow ourselves to be still. #ContemplativeChristianity #LectioDivina #Mysticism #FaithJourney #NonDualThinking #Psalm46 Support the show Peace on the Doorstep is a subscription-free zone —because let’s be real, we're all overwhelmed by subscriptions that often don't deliver value. Instead, this podcast is supported by ads. If you'd like to support it with your hard-earned money, check out the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes or visit buymeacoffee.com/peaceonthedoorstep. Occasionally, I might promote a relevant product or create something for purchase, but it'll be at a fixed price—no subscription traps here. Yes, there will be some swearing. I start each episode with “b******t” as a heads-up, and I might swear in person or even during prayers. This podcast reflects the real me. I’m still exploring my faith, and my questions stem from curiosity. I gather insights from various sources—books, articles, podcasts, conversations with priests, and tech tools. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I encourage you to seek your own truth. I embrace technology to enhance this process because I’m a tech nerd at heart! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedoorstep.substack.com

    17 min
  4. Deinfluencing: Reclaiming Your Mind in a Social Media World

    12/29/2024

    Deinfluencing: Reclaiming Your Mind in a Social Media World

    Send us a text Social media doesn’t just shape what we buy—it shapes how we think. In this episode of Peace on the Doorstep, Sarah dives into the concept of deinfluencing—not just resisting consumerism but reclaiming our thoughts from external pressures. From personal stories about Reddit forums to biblical wisdom on avoiding envy, this episode explores how comparison culture impacts mental health, relationships, and contentment. Join us for practical tips, thought-provoking research, and spiritual insights to help you rediscover peace in your life. Peace on the Doorstep is made possible by GEM Advisors, the business I founded to help small and owner-operated companies grow. At GEM Advisors, we focus on attracting new customers, engaging your audience, and streamlining operations so you can spend more time doing what you love. To learn more about GEM Advisors and book your free 30-minute consultation, visit gemadvisors.net. Together, we can make a difference. Support the show Peace on the Doorstep is a subscription-free zone —because let’s be real, we're all overwhelmed by subscriptions that often don't deliver value. Instead, this podcast is supported by ads. If you'd like to support it with your hard-earned money, check out the Buy Me a Coffee link in the show notes or visit buymeacoffee.com/peaceonthedoorstep. Occasionally, I might promote a relevant product or create something for purchase, but it'll be at a fixed price—no subscription traps here. Yes, there will be some swearing. I start each episode with “b******t” as a heads-up, and I might swear in person or even during prayers. This podcast reflects the real me. I’m still exploring my faith, and my questions stem from curiosity. I gather insights from various sources—books, articles, podcasts, conversations with priests, and tech tools. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I encourage you to seek your own truth. I embrace technology to enhance this process because I’m a tech nerd at heart! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedoorstep.substack.com

    47 min

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Exploring how ancient wisdom + embodied practice can revive faith in a culture spinning off its axis. thedoorstep.substack.com