Visions&: Grace Aheron

Visions&: Outro with Eréndira Jiménez Esquinca

Reflections and Future Visions: An Introspective Journey with Erendira Jimenez Esquinca Host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca of Visions& reflects on the first season and shares personal insights a year and a half later. She discusses the evolution of Spirit School, initially a decolonizing journey, into a multifaceted space that includes publishing, financial advising, and community workshops. Esquinca also delves into the interplay between decolonizing efforts and world-building, the implications of authenticity, and the challenges of balancing spirituality with material needs. As a new mother, she ponders how to guide her daughter in a changing world. Looking ahead, she emphasizes embracing moral ambiguity and the void as essential steps towards transformation and liberation. 00:00 Introduction to Visions& 01:00 Reflecting on Volume One 02:41 Spirit School's Evolution 07:44 Decolonizing and World Building 15:02 The Role of Zines in Spiritual Practice 20:25 Navigating Financial Realities 26:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Get full access to The Commons at EJE Studio at ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Visions&: Rev. Tom Brackett

Embracing Transformation and Liberation with Rev. Tom Brackett In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a profound conversation with Reverend Tom Brackett, the now former Manager for Church Planting and Missional Development for the Episcopal Church. Brackett shares his journey from a rigid evangelical background to an open, wonder-filled spiritual leader. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity and embracing the cyclical nature of life, where ongoing birth and death are necessary. The discussion explores themes of hierarchical structures, emerging spiritual practices, and the necessity of letting go. Brackett illustrates how new life and hope can emerge from what seems like darkness, proposing a shift from power over to power with, and advocating for mutual learning, storytelling, and the reclamation of tradition. The episode delves into ways of navigating institutional constraints, fostering transformation, and midwifing the new into being. 00:00 Introduction to Visions& 00:58 Meet Reverend Tom Brackett 02:27 Tom's Spiritual Journey 04:26 Valerie Kaur's Impactful Sermon 08:08 Exploring Spiritual Longing and Tipping Points 11:42 Wrestling with God and Archetypal Stories 16:08 Institutional Challenges and Spiritual Hunger 22:39 Embracing Death and Rebirth in Spiritual Systems 27:05 New Ways of Gathering and Community 30:34 A Slave to It All 30:54 Dancing with Different Faiths 33:08 Returning to Childlike Wonder 33:43 The Power of Play 36:53 Learning to Dance Again 38:35 Navigating Religious Structures 41:25 Embracing Change and Tradition 46:13 The Wisdom of Letting Go 51:22 A New Horizon Get full access to The Commons at EJE Studio at ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Visions&: M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel

Exploring Spiritual Transformation with M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a deep and illuminating conversation with M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel, co-founders of enfleshed. The dialogue traverses the intersections of spirituality, activism, and creativity, examining topics like decolonizing language, spiritual formation, and navigating digital versus embodied spiritual experiences. The guests share their insights into the challenges and possibilities within evolving spiritual practices, including maintaining accountability and integrating spirituality into all aspects of life. The episode concludes with an exploration of enfleshed’s exciting new project, Sacred Incantations, aimed at creating a repository for trans wisdom and experiences. 00:00 Introduction to Visions& 00:57 Meet the Guests: M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel 01:48 Starting the Conversation 03:15 Decolonizing Language and Practice 05:38 Elemental Wisdoms and Sacred Aliveness 08:18 Self-Descriptions and Current Work 13:51 Digital Relationships and Spiritual Community 30:54 Navigating Multiplicities and Accountability 37:16 The Role of Religion and Spiritual Practice 01:00:40 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts Get full access to The Commons at EJE Studio at ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Visions&: Grace Aheron

Spiritual Practices, Social Justice, and Finding Vocation with Grace Aheron In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca interviews Grace Aheron, a queer, multiracial Asian American antiracist organizer, writer, and liturgist. Grace discusses her journey from church ministry to working with Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), a grassroots organization mobilizing white communities to fight racism. The conversation delves into Grace's identity, her personal and collective spiritual practices, and the intersection of spirituality with social justice work. The episode also explores themes such as the evolving landscape of spirituality, collective grief, and the challenges and transformations within political and faith-based organizing. 00:00 Introduction to Visions& and Today's Guest 01:01 Meet Grace Aheron: Background and Current Work 02:00 Personal Reflections and Vocational Journey 06:07 Rituals and Spiritual Practices 09:50 Spirituality and Social Justice 14:15 Exploring Christian Identity and Collective Stories 22:53 Decolonizing Spirituality and Political Identity 36:54 The Role of Grief and Collective Action 41:11 Future Visions and Final Thoughts Get full access to The Commons at EJE Studio at ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Visions&: Lindsey Turner

Bridging Astrology and Christianity with Reverend Lindsey Turner In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a dynamic conversation with Reverend Lindsey Turner, an astrologer and pluralist pastor who leads the school Maker of the Bear. Lindsey shares insights into integrating astrology with Christianity, emphasizing the importance of community, creativity, and spiritual practices. The discussion explores complex themes such as fate and free will, the impact of historic religious narratives, as well as the importance of cultivating personal intuition and discernment. Lindsey also highlights the significance of mythic stories, specifically Venusian myths, and their relevance to our current spiritual landscape. This episode underscores the emerging spiritual reconnection between ancient practices and modern faith, aiming to inspire transformation and liberation. 00:00 Introduction to Visions& 00:58 Meet Reverend Lindsey Turner 03:08 Lindsey's Spiritual Journey and Work 05:46 Astrology and Christianity: Bridging the Gap 08:37 The Influence of Saturn in Pisces 13:12 Dream Work and Spiritual Practices 16:39 Trends in Spirituality and Community 21:05 The Role of Astrology and Tarot 24:00 Mythic Stories and Emerging Narratives 37:24 Identity, Purpose, and Belonging 48:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Get full access to The Commons at EJE Studio at ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://ejestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]