Exploring the Spiritual Journey with Kirsten Rudberg
In episode 353, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirsten Rudberg, the inspiring host of the podcast Bite Sized Blessings. In this episode, Kirsten shares her insights, experiences, and fascinating journey through spirituality, creative projects, and her deep connection to the divine.
A Glimpse into Kirsten’s World
From a young age, Kirsten’s life was filled with unique experiences, thanks to her family’s global travels. Growing up in diverse cultures—like Guyana and Pakistan—allowed her to witness various ways of life, languages, and worship, which enriched her understanding and appreciation for spirituality and human connections. This multicultural upbringing laid the foundation for her beliefs as a panentheist, someone who sees God or spirit in all things, both seen and unseen, embracing the magic and miracles of life.
The Impact of Compassionate Possession
One of the highlights of our conversation was Kirsten's introduction of "compassionate possession," a concept many (🙋🏻♀️) might not be familiar with. Kirsten experienced this profound phenomenon during her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Initially, it brought confusion and distress, especially after an emotionally charged episode with her sister. However, this experience revealed itself as a powerful tool for healing and connection when Kirsten encountered another pilgrim, Jennifer, whose profound struggle mirrored her own past turmoil. Their encounter underscored the healing potential of compassionate possession, where Kirsten, guided by what she would later understand as compassionate possession, was able to help Jennifer find comfort and relieve her shame. This encounter provided a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of her own previous experiences. These moments of connection and compassion highlight how seemingly difficult experiences can prepare us to be a source of support and healing for others.
Bridging Cultures and Beliefs
Our conversation also touched on the power of cultural immersion and how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can foster significant personal growth. Drawing from her own life, Kirsten explained how exposure to various traditions and folklore fueled her curiosity and shaped her spiritual path. This fascination led her to explore myths, folktales, and fairy tales from around the world, culminating in her attendance at seminary—a journey that profoundly influenced her outlook on life and spirituality. I could relate to Kirsten’s experiences on a personal level, having lived in Italy with my family. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, these adventures enriched our lives and broadened our perspectives, much like Kirsten’s own international upbringing.
The Art of Listening to God
Kirsten's unique approach to spirituality extends into how she listens to God. She shared with us the often humorous and deeply personal ways in which she feels guided by a higher power. Whether it’s the persistent nudge to go for a walk or the overwhelming urge to write, Kirsten describes these experiences as divine interventions that lead her towards moments of serendipity and purpose.
Discovering Bite Sized Blessings
Spirituality isn’t just a personal journey—it's about sharing stories that inspire and uplift others. Kirsten’s podcast, Bite Sized Blessings, does just that. On her show, she interviews people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs, asking them to recount experiences of magic and miracles. By sharing these stories, Kirsten aims to remind us all of the inherent goodness and mystery in the universe. I was honored to be one of Kirsten's guests, which you can hear here!
Resources and Links
- **Bite Sized Blessings Podcast** https://www.bitesizedblessings.com/ Tune in to hear more stories of magic and miracles.
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A Final Thought
This episode of the Meditation Conversation podcast with Kirsten as my guest left my heart full and my mind buzzing with ideas. Her journey through compassionate possession, cultural exploration, and spiritual devotion is a testament to the power of embracing all aspects of our human experience. Whether it’s through storytelling, personal reflection, or simply being present for others, we can all find ways to connect more deeply with the divine.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey. Be sure to listen to the full episode for more inspiring insights from Kirsten Rudberg, and don’t forget to subscribe to Meditation Conversation for future episodes.
✦✦✦ As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you had experiences similar to Kirsten’s? How do you connect with your spirituality? Share your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
