Posts by Transforming Center

A conversation for those who have money and those who feel they don’t have enough money. Our relationship with money reveals what we are placing our trust in. Sadly even…

The third-part of Ruth’s conversation with author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser is a thought provoking discussion of  the third stage of discipleship – giving our deaths away. How can we give something deep in…

“The human soul is like a fine wine that needs to ferment in various barrels as it ages and mellows…Growing up and maturing is precisely a process of fermentation.  It…

“The human soul is like a fine wine that needs to ferment in various barrels as it ages and mellows…Growing up and maturing is precisely a process of fermentation.  It…

Join us for this series of Advent and Christmastide reflections. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn.…

Join us for this series of Advent and Christmastide reflections. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn.…

Join us for this series of Advent and Christmastide reflections. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn.…

Join us for this series of Advent and Christmastide reflections. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn.…

Join us for this series of Advent and Christmastide reflections. The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn.…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

The seasons of the church year are meant to teach us something about the spiritual life we need to learn. In fact, by entering into these seasons we experience the…

We received such a great response to the practices and moments of quiet reflection that we included in our most recent episodes that we decided to do the same thing…

We received such a great response to the practices and moments of quiet reflection that we included in our most recent episodes that we decided to do the same thing…

We received such a great response to the practices and moments of quiet reflection that we included in our most recent episodes that we decided to do the same thing…

Ruth begins by sharing just how important the rhythm of retreat has been for her life. What is the one thing that must be present in a retreat center. Ruth…

How do we return from retreat? In this episode we get some much needed counsel and a little help from Aslan. Ruth gives very practical advice on how to return…

Is it really possible? We begin by dealing with Steve’s resistance to the chapter title. Steve might or might not be having an existential crisis. Are you the responsible one? Maybe…

Often time on retreat there is sadness that takes one by surprise. Who do I want to be and how do I want to live so I can be who…

If you have gotten this far and are still wondering if a retreat is a necessary practice, we knock it out of the park with discussing Jesus’ pattern of retreat.…

We start with defining what is meant by false self patterns and where it fits into our spiritual journey. Ruth shares her perspective on the current popularity of the Enneagram…

Steve has control issues even if surrender is one of the major movements of the spiritual life. Retreat is a powerful tool to practice surrender. Could your absence from those…

Fixed hour of prayer. It is as simple as praying at fixed hours of the day. It is about reorienting ourselves to God. Ruth shares the four prayer movements that…

Human beings are made with rhythms and for rhythms. A beautiful conversation ensues about the beauty of rhythms and how to find and recognize rhythms. In the Christian tradition tears…

Are you living out of external expectations instead of God’s calling on your life? Learn more about common sources of exhaustion. Could it be that our desire to serve is…

Too busy? When is the best time to go on retreat? Join Ruth Haley Barton and Steve Wiens for episode 2, and don’t forget your pillow. A great discussion about…

Why did Ruth write another book? How does it relate to Invitation to Solitude and Silence? We start with a delicious word – invitation. Ruth moves in to define our…

Why does Ruth end a book on silence and solitude with a chapter on for sake of others? Listen to find out. Ruth describes her own journey of moving out…

Why does Elijah say the same things again? We expect Elijah’s experience of God’s presence to transform him, but there is a comforting interpretation of this passage. The good news:…

We begin this episode with a quick review of the story of Elijah. There is a payoff to waiting, and not running away.  God is becoming Elijah’s ultimate orienting reality.…

We are in the chaos with Elijah. In solitude and silence we feel the battle between the false self and the true self. Some of the most important questions emerge…

It takes stamina to stay in silence and solitude. Why does God meet us in such vast emptiness? Ruth has a thought. There is great encouragement in Elijah’s journey and…

We have made it to the cave with Elijah and he is telling the whole truth. The good news is God can handle anything. Ruth shares about being in solitude…

We are moving through this story slowly and it is good. At this point God asks Elijah a question. Allowing the mind rest into the heart is a helpful way…

What is not to like about the fact that God instructed Elijah to take not one but two naps? Why do we treat our body so poorly? Ruth and Steve…

We pick up with the story of Elijah, and why it is important that he rested first. We talk about how to recognize being dangerously tired, with Ruth sharing some…

Our lives are not in danger like Elijahs, but we all have to face resistance. If you feel the push pull, then this is likely a signal God is at…

Learning to be present with God alone – where do we begin? How do we get to the point where we recognize that what needs done in our lives only…

Learning to be present with God alone – where do we begin? How do we get to the point where we recognize that what needs done in our lives only…

In Season 5: Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Steve Wiens and Ruth Haley Barton will walk through Ruth’s book by the same name. Join us for a rich conversation, and…

This episode begins with a discussion of the kind of lonineless that is probably the hardest for a spiritual leader – when we feel God is against us. Moses’ story…