God in the Normal – Examen Meditation Practice

We all have both mountaintop and valley experiences in our lives. On the mountaintop, God is so close and so real. We’re excited by powerful experiences. We’re filled with energy and vigor for life. On the contrary, the valleys feel quiet and dark. God feels distant. We know struggle, pain, and isolation. Both the mountaintops and the valleys can profoundly shape us. Typically, these seasons are short in duration.

Then, there is the in-between. The experience of what we would each consider to be “normal life”. Most of our lives are spent between the mountaintop and the valley – somewhere between ecstatic and struggling. So, do you find God in the details of your normal life? Do you sense God’s intimate presence in the daily routine of it all?

This examen meditation, when done as a prayer rhythm, can build a framework for spiritual awareness of God in the details of everything – even the most routine and mundane things. Let’s try this practice together!

This episode is written, hosted, and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast. Meditations and recordings are property of Urban Mystics. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space. Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Episode Audio Credits:

“42” by Purrple Cat (Album: Distant Worlds III)

“Cat’s Cradle” by Purrple Cat (Album: Morning Coffee)

“Pillow Fort” by Purrple Cat (Album: Cozy Cabin Beats)

We love Purrple Cat's music and are customers and supporters. You can find and support Purrple Cat's music at ⁠https://purrplecat.com/

“Valley of Silence Meditation” by alanfrijns (Downloaded from Pixabay)

We had some technical issues with the audio originally uploaded with these and other episodes from our Advent series. We apologize for the poor listening quality and hope you will give these episodes another chance with this new track upload.

Advent Meditations - Mary's Song

In this Advent meditation, we invite you to gaze reflectively on Mary, the mother of our Lord. Look upon her courage, her grace, and her total trust in the will and love of God. Join Dan as he leads us in a reflection on the Magnificat – Mary’s song of praise and devotion.

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever

just as he promised our ancestors.”

This episode is written and hosted by Dan Lee and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space. Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Meditations and recordings are property of Urban Mystics. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Vocal Credits

Special thanks to the vocal talent of Tiffany Cornwell, reading as Mary This episode is hosted by Dan Lee

Tony Duppong reading as Angel Gabriel

Episode Audio Credits:

Christmas Lofi (File #179298) from Pixabay

Valley of Silence Meditation by alanfrijns (File #122612) from Pixabay

You and I by lofi_hour (File # 133401) from Pixabay

We apologize for the technical difficulties in the last few Urban Mystics episodes. We are working hard to remaster these files and upload episodes with high sound quality.

Merry Christmas from Urban Mystics!

Today we celebrate the birth of our King! We wanted to give you all one more “special” Christmas episode as a “thank you” for listening to Urban Mystics.

This episode of Urban Mystics is inspired by artwork created by illustrator Everett Patterson titled “Jose y Maria”. You can view this art on his website or purchase it through his shop on Etsy.

This episode is written, hosted, and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast. Meditations and recordings are property of Urban Mystics. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space. Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Vocal Credits

Special thanks to the vocal talent of Tiffany Cornwell!

Episode Audio Credits:

Sound effects downloaded through public domain via:

• https://pixabay.com/
• https://www.zapsplat.com/

Sound Effects from https://freesound.org including:

• City Sounds from klau78
• Walking Sounds from evsecrets
• Sounds from MadamViscious
• Sounds from khenshom
• Baby Sounds from GiovanniProvenzale

We had some technical issues with the audio originally uploaded with these and other episodes from our Advent series. We apologize for the poor listening quality and hope you will give these episodes another chance with this new track upload.

Welcome to Advent

The clashing of kingdoms becomes quite evident during the holidays. One kingdom is loud, neon, consumer driven and exhausting. It doesn’t ask your permission to invade your life. Black Friday, Cyber Monday – shopping days that have evolved into national holidays. Anyone can get drawn into the frenzy of it all, and when they do, they just might miss the invitation to withdraw from ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. The alternative kingdom will always lead with an invitation. To accept this invitation is to choose stillness, reflection, and anticipation. This is Advent. A season of waiting. A season of longing. A season of prayer, and hope, and joy.

This week, my only goal is to invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle so that you might find a sense of silence and deep stillness. Come with me. Become more quiet in your soul. Be more still. And wait.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space.

Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Urban Mystics is a ministry of ReWire. Meditations and recordings are property of ReWire. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Learn more about ReWire at www.rewireteam.org

Episode Audio Credits:

Silent Night (LoFi Version) Music by SoulProdMusic

We Wish You a Merry Christmas Audio by SoulProd licensed through pixabay.com In the Bleak Midwinter - Christmas Carol - Concert Grand Piano

Cold Blizzard Snow Storm Sound Effects from Zapsplat.com

Ear Ring Sound Effect #61053 from Pixabay.com

Cold Snowfall Sound Effect 164512 Gioele Fazzeri

We apologize for the technical trouble we've had on our last few uploads. We've uploaded a new file that will be worth-while to listen to.

Tony first hosted “The Innkeeper” last year during the Urban Mystics live guided sessions. If you were one of the few who were there when Dan and Tony were first getting started last year – first, thank you for following us and listening! Second, this one might sound familiar.

In this Advent meditation, Tony will guide you through an imaginative meditation. In this practice of visualization, you are the innkeeper in first century Bethlehem. Earlier in the evening, you reluctantly turn away a man and a very pregnant woman who are traveling together, because all of your accommodations are filled. But this isn’t the last you will see of the traveling couple. Listen and follow along as you experience an unexpected scene of profound significance later that night…

This episode is written, hosted, and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast. Meditations and recordings are property of Urban Mystics. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space. Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Episode Audio Credits:

Sound effects downloaded through public domain via:

• https://freesound.org
• https://pixabay.com/
• https://www.zapsplat.com/
• Baby Sounds from GiovanniProvenzale https://freesound.org/people/GiovanniProvenzale/sounds/691558/ 

Special thanks for the use of soundscape design by Sword Coast Soundscapes. Find Sword Coast Soundscapes on Spotify, Youtube, or Bandcamp

The Journey of the Magi (Longing and Hope)

The journey of the magi is an element of the Advent and Christmas story that relates deeply to a diverse range of human experience – from longing to wonder, from violence and despair to hope and justice. Join us this week as we continue in our Advent meditation series. Dan is back! And we invite you to respond to the hope and anticipation of the season as the magi respond to the sign of the newborn king – with a presentation of gifts and reverence.

This episode is written and hosted by Dan Lee and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space. Find us on Instagram or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Meditations and recordings are property of Urban Mystics. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent.

Episode Audio Credits:

Music by SOUNDS FROM AFRICA from Pixabay

Space Atmospheric Background from Pixabay

Thanksgiving - Podcast Update and Meditation with Tony

Happy Thanksgiving! We can’t let a holiday like Thanksgiving go by without offering some kind of gratitude meditation guide. So, this one is short and simple – I call it “Show and Tell.” I hope you enjoy!

Also, we have been preparing to relaunch our podcast release schedule starting with a special Advent series beginning in early December.

We are so thankful to you, our listeners. We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday and look forward to spending more time with you in December.

Other Gratitude Episodes

Abundance

A Gratitude Meditation

The Meeting Place Visualization

This episode is written, hosted and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast.

Learn more about Urban Mystics by visiting the Urban Mystics website at www.urbanmystics.org, or by joining the new ReWire Hub community and checking out the Urban Mystics space at https://rewirehub.mn.co/share/bUZrUTYAa8OHBTVg?utm_source=manual

Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/urbanmysticscommunity/ or send us an email at urbanmysticscommunities@gmail.com

Urban Mystics is a ministry of ReWire. Meditations and recordings are property of ReWire. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent. Learn more about ReWire at www.rewireteam.org

Episode Audio Credits:

Pillow Fort by Purrple Cat

Lazy Afternoon by Purrple Cat

Cat’s Cradle by Purrple Cat

We love Purrple Cat's music and are customers and supporters. You can find and support Purrple Cat's music at https://purrplecat.com/

Miss by Lofi Hour – Downloaded from pixabay.com - Audio File #126980 - Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-miss-126980/

Neurodiverse (Meditation Practice) 3 Questions - Vocal Audio with Lo-Fi Music

This is one of six variations of this episode that we are releasing with different audio background. This episode features spoken vocal audio with a background arrangement of Lo-Fi music.

Check out the episode details from ⁠⁠"Neurodiverse"⁠⁠ for more.

This episode is written, hosted and produced by Tony Duppong, exclusively for the Urban Mystics Podcast.

Urban Mystics is a ministry of ReWire. Meditations and recordings are property of ReWire. Use of this copyrighted material is not allowed without consent. Learn more about ReWire at ⁠⁠www.rewireteam.org⁠⁠.

Episode Audio Credits:

• Cat's Cradle by Purrple Cat
• Cozy Place by Purrple Cat
• Violet by Purrple Cat
• Pillow Fort by Purrple Cat
• Tabula Rasa by Purrple Cat

We love Purrple Cat's music and are customers and supporters. You can find and support Purrple Cat's music at https://purrplecat.com/