The Spiritual Embodiment Podcast

Sam Redondo, licensed therapist and embodiment coach, explores the history and modern reclamation of the word “witch,” connecting it to women’s intuition, embodied knowing, and the intergenerational fear of taking up space. She also explains the Wheel of the Year and offers practical ways to assess whether new spiritual communities are consent-based, empowering, and trauma-informed.Keywordswitch wound, spiritual trauma, embodiment, intuition, woo-woo spirituality, Wheel of the Year, religious deconstruction, trauma-informed spiritualityChapters00:00 Season two’s focus on healing spiritual trauma02:27 Why witches and woo-woo spirituality bring up strong feelings05:11 How the word “witch” shifted from persecution to reclamation09:28 A definition of witch rooted in embodied knowing11:25 Witch trials, social control, and women outside the norm18:44 The witch wound and fear of taking up space25:48 What woo-woo means: intuition beyond linear reasoning30:10 Intercorporeality and the power of shared experience35:10 The Wheel of the Year and nature-based ritual38:18 How to spot control and protect choice in spiritual spaces45:04 Integrating meaning, embodiment, and intuitionResourcesThe Season of the Witch by Ellen VoraWitch Podcast (BBC)Witches of Scotland PodcastThe Great Work book (Wheel of the Year)The Wheel of the YearConnect on Instagram!Meet with Sam

In this episode, Sam Redondo interviews Reverend Cait Ference-Saunders about integrating nature into spiritual practice, a relational framework of how we interact with the world, and deconstructing harmful theological concepts. They explore how embodiment, community, and theology shape our relationship with the earth and ourselves.Keywordsspirituality, embodiment, nature, theology, ecology, community, transformation, indigenous wisdom, Gaia theory, sacredness.Chapters00:20 Introduction to Spiritual Embodiment Podcast00:41 Continuing the Conversation with Cait Ference-Saunders01:03 Exploring Wonder and Awe01:31 Nature as a Spiritual Companion06:32 The Relational Dynamics of Nature13:29 Habits of Care and Divine Reflection15:37 Personal Reflection and Theological Insights17:26 Understanding Evangelicalism and Its Impact19:20 Navigating Change and Spirituality21:19 The Fluidity of Existence22:59 Finding Comfort in Poetry and Community25:07 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection27:17 Embracing New Spiritual Environments28:10 Tools for Navigating Spiritual Spaces31:08 Balancing Comfort and Discomfort in Faith34:05 The Power of Connection and Community37:04 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsResourcesTheology of Failure by Marika RoseEnough is Enough by Dean Detloff and Matt BernicoBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Episcopal Churchwww.traumasensitiveyoga.com/www.withcait.comConnect on IG!Work with SamDisclaimer from Cait:"My words are my own and do not reflect an official statement by the Episcopal Church or the breadth of its doctrine. The things I share are from my lived experience as an individual seeker of God, who is also ordained. Not every priest or member of the church will hold the exact positions I do, but holding disparate things in common is a hallmark of my ordaining church."

In this episode, Rev. Cait Ference-Saunders shares her journey from childhood wonder through her experiences in ballet, church, and yoga practice, illustrating how embodiment and faith intertwine. She explores how her roles as a yoga teacher and clergy member inform her understanding of spiritual embodiment and the importance of consent, ritual, and authenticity. In this episode, Cait Ference-Saunders shares her insights on the relationship between institution and power in our life of faith, and reimagining theological concepts as places of empowerment.Keywordsspiritual embodiment, faith, trauma-informed yoga, church, identity, ritual, consent, embodiment, Christian tradition, justice spirituality, nature, wonder, awe, integration, collaboration, theology, ecology, embodiment, sacrednessChapters00:00 Introduction to Cait's journey and background04:11 The generative power of being stumped and curiosity06:00 The impact of outdoor life and environment07:36 College, disorientation, and land as a grounding force09:07 Embodiment through dance and ballet09:57 Wonder as curiosity and awe in spiritual life11:29 Grieving ballet and finding yoga as a new practice13:41 Body image, diet culture, and societal expectations15:02 Integrating nature into spiritual and emotional practice16:41 Performance, perfectionism, and hypervigilance20:18 Objectification, consent, and embodiment in faith22:08 Growing up in bifurcated religious environments22:31 The journey to ordination and body acceptance24:37 Clergy clothing as ritual and identity27:54 The risks and rewards of embodying institutional power28:09 Accepting and embracing authentic impulses in spirituality30:49 Balancing justice, faith, and systemic harm33:35 Integrating faith, trauma, and embodiment practices34:09 The deep feeling nature and empathy for all beings37:52 The deep weave of faith and lived experience40:01 Indigenizing place and the responsibility to relate to land40:14 The role of ritual, clothing, and embodiment in spiritual practice43:33 Starting points for exploring spirituality and wonder45:37 Encouragement for those seeking authentic spiritual connectionResourcesTheology of Failure by Marika RoseEnough is Enough by Dean Detloff and Matt BernicoBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Episcopal Churchwww.traumasensitiveyoga.com/www.withcait.comConnect on IG!Work with SamDisclaimer from Cait:"My words are my own and do not reflect an official statement by the Episcopal Church or the breadth of its doctrine. The things I share are from my lived experience as an individual seeker of God, who is also ordained. Not every priest or member of the church will hold the exact positions I do, but holding disparate things in common is a hallmark of my ordaining church."

One of my favorite ways to connect with nature is through this guided practice. My "Place that You Love in Nature" meditation is an accessible way to help you connect more deeply with the natural world and sense into your place in the nature, experiencing the reciprocity and depth of relationship. I hope you can return to this practice again and again, and gain fresh insight each time. Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore practical ways to deepen your relationship with nature through rituals, mindfulness, and meaning-making practices. Discover how to incorporate seasonal awareness, elements, metaphors, and playful exploration into your natural experiences.Keywordsnature connection, rituals, mindfulness, seasonal awareness, elements, metaphors, nature meditation, embodiment, spiritual practiceChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and core principles01:51 The importance of relationship and reciprocity with nature03:59 The role of rituals and frameworks in engaging with nature08:00 Mindful walking and forest bathing practices09:47 Finding a sit spot and observing seasonal changes11:55 Growing plants and engaging with animals as nature practices13:56 Using metaphors and symbolism in nature for healing17:02 Aligning rituals with seasonal rhythms and cycles21:57 Working with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water25:55 Deepening connection through metaphor and projective work29:46 Incorporating play, novelty, and exploration in nature33:07 Creating rituals and seeking support for nature connection33:46 Guided nature meditation to foster mindfulness and presenceResourcesFollow us on IG!Work with SamSam's website and email list