December Pause [SSL 339]

Wrapping out the last challenge with high resolve

Hello, Everyone!

⭐️Here is the podcast audio: https://lisadelay.com/blog/december-pause-ssl-339/

Or listen below (press play)

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It's a new month with a new challenge and something is different this time.

Back in July, I began a project I called the Quarterly Challenge, that included new monthly challenges to encourage us to dig deeply and have accountability for our spiritual walk.

Those efforts have not had too much fruit and for now, I will bid this exploration "Farewell!" (Notice I have a seasonally decorated funeral wreath on display to commemorate this occasion.)

Not every idea or project will work and there are many reasons why they might not. I suspect the timing is wrong. But, if there is so sort of demand for this to resume because a number of you would benefit from it? I'm open to that.

For December there IS a Challenge. One last one, and you are invited to contribute in the comments with your personal reflection.

The Quarterly Theme is ENCOUNTER
For December this includes the topic: PAUSE

Keep in mind that for some of you, Advent Season is something you may lean into or desire to embrace more fully, and the topic of pause is something that pairs well with this.

But, it can take on a personal meaning or a unique meaning all its own. Maybe the meaning will make its own self know to you, and I await with eager anticipation to hear from you about what happens.

The Challenge this month, specifically, is to build in 2 or 3 times of extended, mindful pause, for a spiritually meaningful reflection and then share some of your experience.

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STILL Announcement

I hope you will all be there in a few weeks online with me and others for this annual event that makes welcoming a new year lovely and bright.

Try this link: https://the-pilgrimage.org/home-2/get-connected/winter-solace-2025/

psst. secret discount for our January Event

Join us at Winter Solace 2025 - but, hurry, the discount offer expires soon

Hi friends,

I’m back with Jenn Layte and other lovely souls for the 2025 Winter Solace. I’ve found it one of the best ways to welcome the new year.

In 2025 the theme is Still.

I’ll be presenting on the idea of still through the lens of the desert fathers and mothers (300-600 CE)

The Winter Solace is online, and it’s been a blessing to me each year.

I know you’ll LOVE it ❤️

You can use a special discount code, if you’d like.

Just remember, it’s good only until midnight on Black Friday
(Nov 29 EST)

Use BLKFRI and save $30 bucks! At this link ⬇️
https://www.45days.co/offers/jrLAkp9o/checkout

There’s also a way to pay in four (4) installments!
Go here for that. ⬇️

https://www.45days.co/offers/BjoSnQoU/checkout

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Here is the schedule:

I look forward to seeing you.

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Dual Process Cognition and Our Social Standing

cognitive sciences of religion and decisions

A short post on the science of thinking critically and the consequences of conflict in our two forms of consciousness.

When our alarm bells go off, there are often two kinds of consciousness at work.

1. Conscious cognition and

2. Subconscious cognition (unknown to us)
   
   And these both can come into conflict

With intuitive cognition (subconscious cognition) we make excuses and objections in light of facts that feel uncomfortable.

All “identity politics”, so called, exist a-priori to interactions with reality.

When in conflict (cognitive dissonance),
we will leverage our reflective cognition in defense of our intuitive cognition. This is rationalization.

EXAMPLE of intuitive cognition that we can’t control:

Our bias makes these two shapes seem to have different colors.
The shadows trick us into thinking that based on how we perceive reality.
Both shapes are the same color gray. (Makelan explains this is the video)

Dan Makelan explaining why some people have stopped feeling safe and others try to justify the unjustifiable.

maklelan

A post shared by @maklelan

Do you want in person connection?

Addressing the lack of depth in our inter-relating and taking the temperature

Hello friends,

I’m coming up with new options for us who enjoy deep thinking and connecting to find each other and be fed.

As I plan, I need your input and I put together a Poll for that that I offered to my patreon supporters and also I am placing here:

This POLL is to gauge your interest in a small, online, and interactive group that meets each MONTH.

It will be guided format, with a spiritual practice and reflection at first, followed by a discussion of the topic selected a head of time (and posted). Vocal participation is not required and you don’t have to have your face on screen if you don’t like that.

To help conversations reach some depth and allow everyone to contribute who would like to, the group will be kept to 6 people, total. (A waiting list will be created if more than 6 would like to join up. First spots are reserved for financial supporters of my work.)

You can comment with thoughts or ideas if you have them.