Loving THIS with Michael Gungor

I love this podcast so much. It’s so interesting and peaceful.

Having seen the small outbreak of rhetoric in a certain group, astutely discerned by VD/MG, I sincerely wonder and hope that all parties of the kerfuffle are healing and addressing the narcissism that has been brought to the fore. Which, I should also say that it isn’t that pathological sort of narcissism that I speak of, but what can well up from any/everyone and may come as a result of a cancelling/silencing space in addition to emotional turmoil. It is rather sad to see the variety of accountability/a call to accountability as being one to include an orientation toward negging or remarking on one’s own victim-hood. That is hardly an acknowledgment or acceptance/admission of wrongdoing, and to perceive oneself as blameless misses the point of accountability. Why do we need to give, or inflict, pain when we are hurt or feel undone (which seems more associated with pathos)? To make a point that “they” also need to be accountable? That splitting does little to resolve and smacks of an individualistic frame that sees “oneself” and “them” as being apart from each other when the collective heart has been fractured. I don’t know the depth and breadth of what happened, nor do I admittedly have the desire to plumb into it (though, clearly something is coming up here with my unsolicited opining), but apart from the process of displaying these things publicly (for whatever reason), I hope for a stance of “all manner of things shall be well” to be a driving force for grace toward themselves and each other through this grief even if a reconciliation isn’t possible. “All is vanity,” including “this” anyway.

Love listening to your work, MG!

I happened upon this podcast after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at age 43, wife and mother of two teen daughters. Prior to my diagnosis I always empathized with others in this situation, feeling immense sympathy for the feelings they must be experiencing. However, upon my diagnosis I was not depressed. Instead I found an unexplainable new lease on life and instantly started living in the moment. Not by conscious choice, and I don’t understand how or why but i feel amazing. I plan to beat the cancer, but if I don’t, I’m content with my life and my family shares this realization. The word that came to mind to describe my feeling was Enlightened and when I searched for a podcast this one came up and I love it. Somehow I was blessed to achieve this feeling of contentment without effort but this podcast helps me understand it, not feel guilty for it, and hopefully share the ideas to inspire others. Thanks Michael Gungor!