The Vowing Mind: Returning to Relational Intimacy in Times of Trouble with Joshin Byrnes

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

#Society #Jennifer England #Personal Growth #Evolution #Social Change #Culture #Creativity #Relationship #Religion #Crisis #Spiritual Beings #Embodied #Paradigm Shift #Healing #Leadershipd

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

about a year ago 1:06:21

MP3•Episode home

How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer?

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Joshin Byrnes—Zen teacher, former AIDS activist, and founder of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community—for a deeply honest conversation on his evolving expressions of activism and spirituality as he wrestles with and practices ethical action in a time of trouble.

Together, they explore:

Growing out of enemy oriented and dehumanizing activism
“Bearing witness” as essential practice in a culture of separation
How letting go of fixed ideas creates healing action
The Zen principle of vowing mind as a compass for ethical responsiveness.

Come join us for a slow and tender dialogue about how to deepen your relational intimacy, practice and ethical inquiry as you taste the ache of being human.

Content Note: This episode includes a story that references suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Resources are included below.

Links & resources—

Learn more about Joshin Byrne’s work at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen
Zen Peacemakers
Get Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter
Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988.ca/
US Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org/
International suicide resources can be found at https://findahelpline.com

Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

64 episodes

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

The Vowing Mind: Returning to Relational Intimacy in Times of Trouble with Joshin Byrnes

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer?

Together, they explore:

Growing out of enemy oriented and dehumanizing activism
“Bearing witness” as essential practice in a culture of separation
How letting go of fixed ideas creates healing action
The Zen principle of vowing mind as a compass for ethical responsiveness.

Come join us for a slow and tender dialogue about how to deepen your relational intimacy, practice and ethical inquiry as you taste the ache of being human.

Content Note: This episode includes a story that references suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Resources are included below.

Links & resources—

Learn more about Joshin Byrne’s work at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen
Zen Peacemakers
Get Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter
Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988.ca/
US Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org/
International suicide resources can be found at https://findahelpline.com

64 episodes

#Society #Jennifer England #Personal Growth #Evolution #Social Change #Culture #Creativity #Relationship #Religion #Crisis #Spiritual Beings #Embodied #Paradigm Shift #Healing #Leadershipd

All episodes

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
On Matrimony, Mothering Culture and the Undoing of Self with Stephen Jenkinson 1:17:59

8 hours ago1:17:59

1:17:59

In this festive wedding season, what if matrimony wasn’t here to affirm the intensity of love between two people but a courageous submission to the unknown? Jennifer speaks with Stephen Jenkinson—cultural activist, author, ceremonialist—about the necessary burdens of love through the ritual of matrimony. With characteristic poetic edge, Stephen challenges the Western obsession with autonomy, authenticity and safety and gestures toward a redemptive cultural project: one of radical hospitality, memory, and the mystery of matrimony as a village-making act. Together they dive into: How matrimony is distinct from weddings and is rooted in mothering culture, not just romantic love The lost valence of patrimony, and what it asks of us The role of the stranger in belonging and village making Why being “yourself” might not be the gift you think it is This conversation reveals how ritual and ceremony thins the membrane with other worlds, makes congress with the divine and helps us honor what's come before —so we might find our place, and responsibility, in what’s yet to come. Links & Resources: Order Stephen Jenkinson's newest book Matrimony: Ritual, Culture and the Heart's Work Learn more about Orphan Wisdom School Get Jennifer’s biweekly newsletter for radical encouragement on the hard mess of being human Connect with Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Feed What You Love (A Practice) with Jennifer England 8:39

14 days ago8:39

8:39

What if feeding what you love—even in the face of despair—could be your most vital climate practice? In this episode, Jennifer offers a guided practice inspired by a recent conversation with climate educator and author Sarah Jaquette Ray, who invites us to face the monstrous scale of climate change not with more fixing, but with more loving. Together, they explored the emotional toll of activism, the trap of numbness, and the surprising resilience we access when we stay rooted in what brings us joy and meaning. This practice is designed for anyone who feels overwhelmed, powerless, or stretched thin by the weight of the world—and who longs to feel more alive, connected, and steady in the long game. In this episode, you’ll take away: A fresh perspective on grief and anxiety as signals of what you care most deeply about A two-part reflective and experiential practice to help you feed what you love A gentle invitation to discover how ordinary joys can become acts of resistance and renewal Join Jennifer in this quiet, potent offering—a return to what enlivens, surprises, and sustains us. Because when you feed what you love, you find others there. And together, we remember how to belong. Links & resources— Get an email from Jennifer every couple of weeks to support you in the hard mess of leading and being human. Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Talk with Jennifer! Share an insight or ask a question here jennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
When Grief Brings Us Back to Love: The Quiet Courage of Climate Activism with Sarah Jaquette Ray 1:02:37

19 days ago1:02:37

1:02:37

When it comes to climate anxiety, most of us swing between utter despair or self-protective numbness. In our doom-scrolling attention economy, these are natural, but not always helpful, responses. In this episode, Jennifer speaks with climate scholar, educator, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety Sarah Jaquette Ray to explore how we might move through the heaviest of climate emotions—without turning away, burning out, or losing touch with what we love. They explore: The toll of burnout and the unexpected clarity grief can bring What it takes to face the monster of climate chaos The new texture of climate activism—intimate, relational, and imperfect Grounding practices to help us stay courageous and awake in ecological unravelling Together, they reflect on the emotional and relational labor of holding space during collapse, the wisdom exchanged across generations, and the quiet courage it takes not to fix—but to animate activism with love. Links & resources— Learn more about Sarah Jaquette Ray's work Get A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep your Cool on a Warming Planet Get Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Meeting You Again: A Practice of Seeing Beyond Labels with Jennifer England 7:51

29 days ago7:51

7:51

In this companion to my conversation with Joshin Byrnes on The Vowing Mind , here's a short practice of seeing those you love—and those you judge—with fresh eyes. We all carry fixed ideas of who others are: the reliable one, the difficult one, the person we think we've got dialed. In this guided meditation, you’ll be encouraged to loosen those ideas, and to meet others anew, with curiosity and compassion. This practice will help you recognize the complexity and unfolding nature of those around you—their strengths and struggles, the systems that shaped them, and the mystery beyond what we think we know. You'll experience : – A short grounding and breath awareness – An inquiry into see someone you love as whole, dynamic, and unknowable – A closing invitation to meet them again and again with curiosity. Whether you’re working with a loved one or someone you find challenging, this practice offers a potent return to presence and reconnection. ✨ You can listen to this practice before or after the Joshin Byrnes episode on The Vowing Mind, or return to it anytime you want to meet another human being more freshly. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
The Vowing Mind: Returning to Relational Intimacy in Times of Trouble with Joshin Byrnes 1:06:21

5 weeks ago1:06:21

1:06:21

How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer? In this episode, Jennifer talks with Joshin Byrnes—Zen teacher, former AIDS activist, and founder of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community—for a deeply honest conversation on his evolving expressions of activism and spirituality as he wrestles with and practices ethical action in a time of trouble. Together, they explore: Growing out of enemy oriented and dehumanizing activism “Bearing witness” as essential practice in a culture of separation How letting go of fixed ideas creates healing action The Zen principle of vowing mind as a compass for ethical responsiveness. Come join us for a slow and tender dialogue about how to deepen your relational intimacy, practice and ethical inquiry as you taste the ache of being human. Content Note: This episode includes a story that references suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Resources are included below. Links & resources— Learn more about Joshin Byrne’s work at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Zen Peacemakers Get Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988.ca/ US Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org/ International suicide resources can be found at https://findahelpline.com Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Let Your Body Lead – A Movement Practice for Feeling with Jennifer England 7:51

6 weeks ago7:51

7:51

Ever find yourself caught in a loop of analyzing what you're feeling—trying to think your way through the ache, the confusion, the rage, the numbness? Or find that it feels easier to let your mind fix or solve the hard things rather than sense in or move with them? In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites you into a somatic experience of feeling—beyond story, solving and fixing. Inspired by her recent conversation with therapist and writer Lisa Olivera, you’re invited to drop the narrative and let music, movement, and presence guide you into a relationship with aliveness. You’ll be guided through: A simple, intuitive practice to shift from analysis into sensation. Choosing music that mirrors your current emotional tone—no need for it to be calm or upbeat. A movement invitation that meets you exactly where you are —angry, tender, exhausted, joyful, or stuck. Whether you're overwhelmed, can't access how you're feeling, or somewhere in-between, this episode offers a powerful way to grow your fluency in feeling—by letting your body lead. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Fluency in Feeling with Lisa Olivera 57:08

7 weeks ago57:08

57:08

What if pain isn’t something to fix or escape—but a wise, living presence asking for our attention? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with writer and therapist Lisa Olivera for a heartfelt conversation about relating to pain as a wise teacher, rather than an adversary. Drawing from Lisa’s personal journey—shaped by early experiences with a culture that teaches us to avoid pain—they explore: The social narratives that keep us from feeling fully The role of somatic practice in understanding our body’s intelligence What it means to approach suffering with reverence The slow, courageous path toward collective belonging This episode invites you to deepen your fluency with feeling —in your body, the mystery of life and one another. Links & Resources: Learn more about Lisa’s therapeutic and written work Sign up for Human Stuff , Lisa’s Substack Get Already Enough , Lisa Olivera’s first book Receive Jennifer’s biweekly newsletter Connect with Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Mispronunciation with Jennifer England (A Practice) 7:32

8 weeks ago7:32

7:32

Ever feel awkward in trying to express, connect or attune to another? Ever interpret your awkwardness as a failure? In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites us to explore mispronunciation not just as a linguistic slip, but as a relational metaphor. Inspired by recent conversations with X'unei Lance Twitchell, you’re invited to notice the moments you "miss the mark" in connection—and to consider what might be fertile, even beautiful, in the in-between. You’ll be guided through: A reframing of mispronunciation as an opening, not an error. Gentle prompts to explore awkwardness, misunderstanding, and self-expression. A two-part inquiry to help you stay present with the discomfort of “not quite getting it right.” An embodied invitation to soften and stay—instead of fix or retreat. Whether you're navigating a tough moment with a loved one or reflecting on your own self-expression, this episode is a chance to pause and relate differently to misunderstanding itself. Links & resources— For more practices and inspiration from Jennifer get bi-weekly inspiration to help you navigate the hard mess of leading and being human Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Talk with Jennifer! Share an insight or ask a question here jennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Untangling Our Minds through Language, Land and Laughter – with X’unei Lance Twitchell 1:04:12

8 weeks ago1:04:12

1:04:12

How might a willingness to cross thresholds of understanding help us access wilder and more intimate ways of knowing? In this episode Jennifer talks with X’unei Lance Twitchell—Indigenous language teacher, poet and scholar—who shares his deeply personal journey of reclaiming the Tlingit language. From an early longing to connect with his grandfather to challenging the violence of cultural erasure, X’unei invites us into the healing and transformative role language plays in decolonization and community renewal. In this episode, you'll learn: How the seemingly impossible can become a movement, one word and gesture at a time How learning an Indigenous language changes the way you think, untangling the illusion of separateness Why vulnerability and mistake-making are the foundation of resilient and laughter-infused community building. Join Jennifer and X'unei for a conversation that invites you to listen through the words—to the generous heartbeat of a community and culture remaking itself. Links & resources— Learn more about X’unei Lance Twitchell Watch an episode of Molly in Denali Gagaan X'usyee/Below the Foot of the Sun: Poems Get Jennifer’s Substack newsletter Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Welcome to Season 4 with Jennifer England! 7:02

9 weeks ago7:02

7:02

What does it mean to be engaged in a world that feels like it’s breaking? In this preview of Season 4 of Tension of Emergence , Jennifer England shares the heart of the new season’s inquiry—a living koan that has been shaping her own writing and leadership: how do we act with love and integrity in a time of rupture and collapse, without rushing to fix or save a world that may not need our saving? With a magical cadre of guests, Jennifer explores tensions we’re told to resolve—between urgency and spaciousness, grief and creativity, doing and being. With the backdrop of global upheaval, she asks: Is “breaking” the whole story? If not, what else is happening? How do we stay in relationship, when our hearts are breaking? What do we do when we can’t agree on the path forward? Tune in to discover what it means to live at the edge of uncertainty—curiously, generously, and awake. Season 4 offers a sanctuary of emergence- and place to be honest in the mess of it all. Come follow along for deep dives, and micro-practice episodes, to nourish this season of collective stretch. Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Amplify Joy (A Practice) with Jennifer England 8:58

1 year ago8:58

8:58

Does joy sometimes feel hard to access? Ever find yourself focusing more on where you’re suffering or experiencing pain? Or perhaps you find it easy in this season of your life but want to experience joy even more? In the last micro-episode of Season 3, Jennifer guides you to amplify joy on three different levels: the gross, subtle and causal. She encourages you to enhance the experience of joy, even amidst pain and includes a suggestion to explore the Buddhist practice of Tonglen if you’re facing difficult times. If you play with this practice and have an insight you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources— For more practices, offerings and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletter Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Embracing Pain, Remembering Joy with Amy Elizabeth Fox 1:03:36

1 year ago1:03:36

1:03:36

We’ve been talking about “feeling more” so we can access more wisdom in our leadership, but what if we’re really good at avoiding pain? In the final week of season three of the Tension of Emergence, Jennifer delves into the question of how to work with personal and collective pain with the co-founder of Mobius Executive Leadership and expert in trauma-informed development, Amy Elizabeth Fox. Together they break down the illusory binary between the personal/professional, individual/collective and pain/joy. They also share— Three stages of working with pain and how to transmute pain into possibility How the privatization of healing has gotten us into trouble Why communal witnessing can shift everything Tune in for an in-depth exploration of how to work with personal and collective pain so that you can access more joy, presence and liberation. Links & resources— Mobius Executive Leadership Connect with Amy Elizabeth Fox on LinkedIN Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn and get her Substack here Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Overcome a Challenge with a Different Kind of Power (A Practice) with Jennifer England 6:58

1 year ago6:58

6:58

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with modern-day mystic and teacher Cynthia Bourgeault. Instead of virtues being a static object we have, they can be thought of as active agents of change. Jennifer offers a two-part practice to help you leverage your unique personal virtues (and power) to transform a current challenge. In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal example and emphasizes the importance of practice as a dynamic process of learning from your direct experience. If you play with this practice and have an insight you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! Links & resources— For more practices, offerings and writing from Jennifer, subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletter Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn Email Jennifer with any questions or observations- jennifer@sparkcoaching.ca Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
"More than a Body": The Subtle Art of Cosmic Reciprocity with Cynthia Bourgeault 1:03:11

1 year ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Jennifer talks with modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, author and teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault about how our global breakdown might be a breakthrough. Weaving together science, philosophy and spiritual traditions they talk about the evolution of human consciousness and how to nourish and feed the collective. In this episode they share- Our shift to an integral structure of consciousness How reciprocity works between the seen and unseen worlds What is three-centered awareness and how to develop it Why virtues are more than personality traits Tune in to this beautiful conversation to learn the subtle art of cosmic reciprocity and discover why we’re more resilient and creative than we think. Links & resources— Cynthia Bourgeault’s website Order Cynthia’s books and reading suggestions Global network for seekers on the wisdom path: Wisdom Waypoints Sign up for Jennifer’s Substack , connect with her on IG or LinkedIN Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House , composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker . Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro .…

The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

1
Feel Unmotivated or Flat? Activate Flexibility in Your Nervous System (A Practice) with Jennifer England 7:08

1 year ago7:08