Introducing The Slow Way Podcast
Hello Dear Readers,
In January 2020 I had a big dream to create a podcast called The Slow Way. It was going to be a contemplative podcast. I would read a reflection I'd written, and then guide the listener through a practice of contemplative prayer. I recorded a few episodes, picked out music, and annoyed my big brother until he designed me a graphic, and then I hit my already-concussed-and-recovering head on the kitchen counter. I went to bed for a couple months. Two months later Covid showed up for all of us.
Life is like that. Meandering. Confusing. Unfair. And also? Sometimes, exactly the thing we need. I had already been on a journey of learning to be slow. And just when I thought I’d figured it out my body sent me to bed for a long time. Slowness. Right?
My extra long concussion recovery was a sign post that helped our family make the decision to move across the country and find a more sustainable pace. That's a drastic measure, I know. But I know there are countless stories like mine: Covid woke so many of us up to the truth of our lives. We can't live by hustle alone. Eventually we fizzle out.
Once I had gotten settled in New Jersey I came back to the podcast idea and remade it as this newsletter, which has been a deep joy in my life. Those of you who send me responses (even when I'm slow to write back!) fill my cup. Those of you who share my words on socials are reminding me that this work is a true calling. And I'm so grateful for all you. Even you quiet ones out there. I see you: Thanks.
And now, it's time. The Slow Way Newsletter will continue to be a weekly (almost weekly!) email in your inbox. But it's also coming to your ears. This Tuesday, December 7!!!!
It will start as a six-part series for the season of Advent. Then it will return in January as a weekly podcast. My hope is that this can be a space we build together, a sacred community where we give one another room to encounter the presence of God, to slow down, to wrestle with the beauty and suffering around us, and ultimately, pray.
Each episode will be short, just 10-15 minutes long. Something you can pop in while you walk the dog, or run your errands. Or something you can listen to in the quiet with your cup of coffee in the morning.
Here’s what you can expect. 8-10 minutes of reflection. I’ll guide you through a thought, a scripture passage, or just an idea I’m processing. Then 5 minutes of guided contemplative prayer in response. This Advent I'll be sharing a series of poems I wrote for the season.
Today a trailer episode and a little Advent primer are up on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. (Links below.) I would love it if you jump over there right now and subscribe so the first episode will be in your inbox this Tuesday. If you want to rate and review it based solely on the trailer, be my guest! You are also welcome to share about it on your socials. I'll be linking to it on my Instagram and on Twitter today.
The first official episode will be out this Tuesday. My hope is that you will find it a simple way to practice slowness, silence, and sacred moments in the middle of your day.
Can't wait to meet you there.
Micha
Click here to find your link:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
Google Podcasts is still working on making it available. I'll let all you Googley types know when it's up!