The Spiritual Forum
Welcome to The Spiritual Forum, a space curated by Rev Carol Saunders for extraordinary conversations that explore the realms of spiritual living. Join us weekly for heart-to-heart dialogues with captivating individuals, delving into themes like love, faith, awakening, forgiveness, healing, spiritual practices, and divine encounters. These transformative narratives aim to inspire, fostering a deep connection to the profound experiences that shape our lives. Rev Carol’s guests include authors, filmmakers, experts, and everyday individuals who authentically share their journeys toward wholeness. These discussions transcend the ordinary, offering insights into navigating the complexities of our current world with authenticity and grace.
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
Guests Kim Shelton and Norberto Rodrigues explore the journey behind Kim’s latest documentary “Any Given Moment,” which delves deep into Norberto’s spiritual healing and awakening. Kim, an award-winning filmmaker with 40 years of experience, first documented Norberto’s path to healing in her documentary, “Already Free,” but as life unfolded, his story continued to evolve.
Norberto shares his incredible transformation—from facing a debilitating spinal injury that doctors said could only be managed with extensive surgery, to finding relief and healing through Ren Xue, a unique path of Qigong and consciousness work. With relentless dedication, he practiced Qigong up to 8 hours a day, overcoming pain and discovering profound inner growth. Hear about the moments of intuition that guided his journey and his inner work to discover the limiting patterns that set him free. Learn how anyone can find the right teacher or path when they tune into their heart.
Noberto Rodrigues Bio : Born in Bragança, a small town in Northern Portugal, in 1984 Noberto Rodriguez was fascinated by meditation, martial arts, consciousness work, wisdom, healing and learning how to improve my life and help others. From a very young age he practiced a variety of martial arts, Qigong, Yoga, meditation and Muay Thai. With his interest in science, Noberto earned a Master’s in Physical Activity and Health, with research in Biochemistry and Physiology. After suffering a debilitating back injury, he I came across Yuan Tze and Ren Xue in 2010, which turned out to be the path he had been seeking for so many years: a path that could help him to accomplish his dream: to help people to improve their lives at all levels and help them to realize their own Pure Hearts and True Self. Since then, he has embraced the mission of Ren Xue with as his own life mission: Zi du, Du Ren, Uplift yourself and help others.
Kim Shelton Bio : Kim Shelton has been an independent documentary filmmaker for over 40 years. Her films have been screened and broadcast both nationally and internationally. Her tastes are eclectic and she has covered a very wide range of subjects from cowboys to Sudanese refugees, war veterans and now, Buddhist nuns. Her films, The Highly Exalted, Cowboy Poets, Tuscarora, Lost Borders, Coming of Age in the Wilderness, A Great Wonder, The Lost Children of Sudan, The Welcome, A Thousand Mothers and Already Free, have won numerous film festival awards, and have been broadcast nationally and internationally on POV, PBS, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and the BBC.
#healing #spiritualawakening #qigonghealing #consciousness #energymedicine #holistichealth #backpainrelief #naturalhealing #mindbodyconnection #spiritualgrowth #personaltransformation #innerhealing #RenXue #YuanGong #LifeCultivation #inspiringstories #spiritualjourney
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Your Immortal Self with Guy Finley - EP 279
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Born into a successful show business family (son of late-night TV and radio pioneer Larry Finley), Guy Finley had a prosperous early career that included composing award-winning music for popular recording artists such as Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, Billy Preston and the Four Seasons. He also scored several motion pictures and TV shows and wrote and recorded his own albums under the Motown and RCA labels. But at the young age of 27, he hung it all up and pursued the inner spiritual journey. In this episode we center our conversation on one of Guy’s many books, The Secret of Your Immortal Self: Key Lessons for Realizing the Divinity Within, which is a collection of short essays to help us shed false identities and come into conscious relationship with the Divinity within. We talk about conscious suffering, embracing disturbances, the ego trap of imagination, allowing for opposites, and how the Christ story is our own story. Join us as we uncover the path to the timeless peace that resides within us all.
Guy Finley is a return guest. You can learn more from Fearless Living (EP 209) - https://youtu.be/JZwZRUtinlk
and The Courage to be Free (EP 241) - https://youtu.be/O1OQzwx6ge4
Bio - Guy Finley is a best-selling self-help writer and internationally renowned spiritual teacher. He is the author of over 45 popular books and audio/video programs, several of which have become international best sellers and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Considered a modern-day Mystic and practical Philosopher, Guy’s wisdom cuts straight to the heart of today’s most pressing personal and social issues – relationships, stress, success, addiction, happiness, and inner freedom. His teachings reveal a broader and deeper understanding of life that opens new possibilities, helps release new energies, and delivers welcome relief from all of life's troubles. Guy is the founder and director of the Life of Learning Foundation in Merlin, Oregon.
About Guy Finley's events : Life of Learning Foundation offers two major events each year open to all: Our Holiday Banquet weekend in December and our annual Talks in the Pines in June. Listeners can visit the Foundation anytime during the year to attend Guy's live in-person talks. Details are on https://www.guyfinley.org/events. Guy's free weekly talks can also be heard live online and by replay at guyfinley.org/lettinggo
#Wisdom #LiveFearlessly #CourageToBeFree #ImmortalSelf #DivineWithin #SpiritualAwakening #SelfRealization #ConsciousLiving #PersonalTransformation #CreativeProcess #MindfulnessMatters #SoulAwakening #LetGoToGrow #InnerPeaceJourney #LifelongLearning
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
NDEs and Sacred Scriptures with Douglas Hodgson - EP 278
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
When Douglas Hodgson retired as a law professor, he shifted his focus from secular law to Divine Law, comparative world religions and the world of near-death experiences. A researcher of over 500 Near Death Experience (NDE) testimonies, Douglas shares his insights from his trilogy on transcendental spirituality, divine virtues, and the common messages found across world religions and NDEs. In this episode, we explore the fascinating parallels between messages shared by NDEers and sacred scriptures, which uncover truths about life, death, and the afterlife. Whether you are curious about sacred wisdom, Divine Law, or the purpose of life, this episode offers a unique perspective on the nature of God and the interconnectedness of all that is. Douglas is a return guest. You can learn more from Spiritual Revelations from Beyond the Veil – EP 246.
Bio - Douglas Hodgson is a dual citizen of Canada and Australia, currently residing in Perth, Western Australia. During his 35-year career in university education spanning four countries, he published numerous books and journal articles on human rights law and causation law. His latest publications include "Transcendental Spirituality, Wisdom and Virtue", "Spiritual Revelations from Beyond the Veil: What Humanity Can Learn from the Near Death Experience" and "Near Death Experiences and Sacred Scripture: The Parallel Messaging".
About Douglas' book : My first book entitled "Transcendental Spirituality, Wisdom and Virtue" identified 36 Divine Virtues which unite the world's mainstream religions, firmly anchoring a higher spirituality within a religious context. My second book entitled "Spiritual Revelations from Beyond the Veil: What Humanity Can Learn from the Near Death Experience" revealed a higher spirituality based exclusively on what was imparted to near death experiencers which is completely decoupled from a religious context. The third and final book in this trilogy entitled "Near Death Experiences and Sacred Scripture: The Parallel Messaging" essentially closes the loop by amalgamating the two types of spirituality into an integrated whole.
#neardeathexperiences #spiritualawakening #sacredscripture #divinelaw #higherconsciousness #spiritualgrowth #personaltransformation #InnerUnity #spiritualrevelations #consciousnessexpansion #nde #oneness #universallove
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Mind Training with Ravinder Taylor - EP 277
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Join us in this insightful conversation with Ravinder Taylor, an ordained interdenominational minister and self-help researcher, as we explore the intricate workings of the mind, the ubiquitous mind programming in our society, and how we can reclaim our power. Ravinder, co-author of *Mind Training: The Science of Self Empowerment*, shares groundbreaking strategies rooted in scientific research to help us take control of our lives and make lasting positive changes. We’ll dive into why many self-help methods fall short, how to identify subconscious patterns, and what the spiritual path is really about. Don't miss Ravinder's unique take on life, spirituality, and the true meaning of living consciously, choosing wisely, and loving passionately.
Bio - For the past 30 years, Ravinder Taylor has been researching and analyzing self-help modalities. She has utilized her learning in thousands of interactions with individuals seeking guidance for breaking through blocks to success in their lives. Many have praised her insights and reported great success when following her recommendations. In addition to working alongside her husband Eldon Taylor on each of his books, Ravinder is the co-author of over 200 personal motivation audio programs and two books, Motivational Nudges to Empower Your Life and Peripheral Perception via Subliminal Stimuli. Ravinder has a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology (University College of Wales, Aberystwyth) and is an ordained interdenominational minister. She was also trained in hypnotherapy at the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy in the U.K.
About Ravinder's book : Mind Training: The Science of Empowerment is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all bookstores.
#mindfulness #selfhelp #personalgrowth #spirituality #consciousliving #innerpeace #selfawareness #positivevibes #wellness #mindtraining #empowerment #spiritualgrowth #personaldevelopment #mindfulliving #selfimprovement #reprogramyourmind #lawofattraction #takechargeofyourlife #breakpatterns #subliminal
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
From Science to God with Peter Russell - EP 276
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Join us for a mind-expanding conversation with Peter Russell, a pioneering thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. With a background in theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and Eastern philosophy, Peter's mission is to bridge the wisdom of spiritual traditions with modern science. In this captivating discussion, we delve into the mysteries of consciousness, the universe, and the profound intersection of science and spirituality. We explore why science struggles to explain consciousness, how the reality we experience is not really 'out there', and the emerging view that consciousness is fundamental to the cosmos. Whether you're intrigued by the nature of God, the essence of reality, or the beauty of mathematics, this conversation promises to open new doors of thought and reflection.
Bio - Peter Russell is a leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. He coined the term "global brain" with his 1980's bestseller of the same name in which he predicted the Internet and the impact it would have on humanity. He is the author of twelve other books, including Waking Up in Time, From Science to God, and most recently Letting Go of Nothing and Forgiving Humanity. He studied theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science at the University of Cambridge, and meditation and Eastern Philosophy in India. In the 1980s pioneered the introduction of personal growth programs to corporations. His mission is to distill the essential wisdom on human consciousness found in the world’s various spiritual traditions, and to disseminate their teachings on self-liberation in contemporary and compelling ways.
About Peter's books : "Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature" is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/93slFtx
"From Science to God" is available on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/0JdLlrx
#Consciousness #Spirituality #ScienceAndSpirituality #MindAndConsciousness #Meditation #PhysicsAndConsciousness #QuantumConsciousness #SpiritualJourney #ScienceAndReligion #EasternPhilosophy #TranscendentalMeditation #PhilosophyOfMind #MysteriesOfTheUniverse #Mindfulness #GodAndScience #SpiritualAwakening #ConsciousnessExplained
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
The Power of Growing Older with David Berner - EP 275
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Aging is an inevitable part of our life journey. How we approach this inevitability determines whether we experience it as empowering or a sad fading away. Rev. Carol and acclaimed author David Berner delve into the topic of aging and the power that it holds. We discuss the symbolism behind the title of his book Daylight Saving Time, which represents our collective yearning for "one more hour"—another experience, another chance to grow. David's approach to aging is about embracing the vibrancy and purpose that come with each new chapter of life. Drawing from his diverse spiritual journey—Catholicism, atheism, Buddhism, and more—David reminds us that it's okay to be imperfect in our quest for truth. He emphasizes the legacy of influence we leave behind, encouraging us to model meaningful lives for the next generation. This conversation is for all generations as we explore universal themes such as time, breaking patterns, what really matters, regrets, and not missing what life has to offer.
Bio - David is an acclaimed, award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, short stories, and poetry.. His work includes the novels A Well-Respected Man, The Islander, Night Radio, Sandman, and Rainbow Man, and the nonfiction books Accidental Lessons, Any Road Will Take You There, Walks with Sam, The Consequence of Stars, and Daylight Saving Time. He has won the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the NYC Big Book Award, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors Award for Literary Fiction, and the Book of the Year Award from the Chicago Writers Association. He's also been recognized by the Paris Book Festival, The Society of Midland Authors, the Hawthorne Prize, the Royal Dragonfly Awards, and the Readers' Choice Awards.. David has been honored as the Writer-in-Residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando, FL and the at the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home and Museum in Oak Park, IL. David is a retired associate-professor at Columbia College Chicago, a long-time Chicago broadcast journalist, and now teaches writing at Gotham Writers Workshop of New York City.
About David's book : "Daylight Saving Time: The Power of Growing Older" is available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/92ZI2Ez
#DaylightSavingTime #AgingGracefully #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualJourney #LifePurpose #Retirement #Legacy #SelfDiscovery #LiveWithPurpose #Mindfulness #Wisdom #EmbraceChange #inspiration #growingolder #aging #livingwithregret #notenoughtime
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
The Language of God with Laura Barrett Bennett - EP 274
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Have you ever been disturbed by literal interpretations of the Bible? Join Rev. Carol and her guest Rev. Laura Barrett Bennett for an enlightening conversation that will shift the way you view these texts. Laura is a third-generation Unity minister and author of the book, The Language of God: Metagetics and the Bible. During this discussion, she shares with us the three different approaches to Bible interpretation and reveals a way to look at Bible stories within their historical context, while also exploring their deeper meaning and what it symbolizes in our own psyches. Nothing is sugar-coated in this episode! Carol and Laura dig into those scriptures where God makes no sense to the rational mind and compassionate heart. Whether you love the Bible or have thrown it out completely, this conversation will open up new dimensions of understanding that will help you make peace with it and perhaps learn how it can support your life. Bio - Laura is the minister of the online ministry, Unity of the Heartmind and author of the Book, The Language of God: Metagetics and the Bible. She is a third generation Unity minister of 41 years who has served as Senior minister for three ministries in Michigan and Virginia. She is an author, spiritual coach, musician, composer, lover of nature, and facilitator of transformative spiritual education for individuals and ministries around the world. The one-time Chair of Biblical Studies and Skills for the Unity Movement, she has a knowledgeable, entertaining, experiential, and enlightening approach to the Bible and to other World Scriptures and Traditions, and their effect on our modern-day lives and world. Laura lives and works in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband, Larry, and her cat, Sophia. Website: www.theheartmind.org Book: "The Language of God: Metagetics and the Bible" available on Amazon
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Finding Your Voice and the Power of Words with Eileen Forrestal - EP 273
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Join Rev. Carol in a transformative conversation with Eileen Forrestal, who unveils her journey from a timid, stammering child to a thriving entrepreneur. After a childhood accident, Eileen essentially silenced her voice, leaving her overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. Despite finding refuge in a medical career, her past continued to cast a long shadow over her life. Through deep self-reflection and questioning the limiting thoughts that controlled her life, Eileen courageously faced her fears and rediscovered her voice. Her story is a compelling testament to the power of our thoughts and words, the importance of forgiveness and listening, and our remarkable ability to overcome childhood trauma. Bio - Eileen Forrestal retired as a Consultant Anaesthetist in 2014, after a 32-year career as a Medical Doctor, to focus on the publishing business she co-founded in 2006. At Get Up and Go Publications Ltd, we produce inspirational and motivational diaries, journals, and events for adults and teens. As the author of The Courage to Shine (2021), she is now focusing on writing, speaking, and coaching to empower personal self-expression as a means to inner peace and freedom by bringing awareness to the healing power of words. As CVO of Shine Your Light Coaching and Consulting, she aims to get to the heart of the matter and use her insight, vision, and voice to ‘shine a light’ on the way forward for others. She continues to advocate for the philosophy and wisdom that source the diaries: “Forgive the past - Live the present - Create the future.” She is an accredited Thought Leader on Wellbeing with the All Ireland Business Foundation. She loves to travel and has visited over 60 countries. She cites climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching Everest Base Camp, rafting the Zambezi, cycling the Mekong Delta, hypnotizing a chicken, and riding an ostrich as some of her more memorable accomplishments. She lives with her wonderful cocker spaniel, Kellie, in the beautiful North West of Ireland. Forrestal's book - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Shine-...
Rev Carol Saunders
Experienced Minister, Spiritual Leader, Speaker, Blogger and Podcast Host, with a demonstrated history working in spiritual organizations. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Public Speaking, Dialogue Facilitation, Spiritual Coaching, Writing, Pastoral Counseling, Premarital/Marriage coaching, Sacred Ceremonies and Conflict Resolution. Strong media and communication professional in the spiritual awakening business. For more information, Visit the about Rev Carol Saunders in the menu above