Bonus Episode: Living Mindfully in Beloved Community with author Walt Shelton
Continuing our #SoulCare series, Mom and I caught up with a dear friend of the pod, Walt Shelton, about his latest book, Authentic Living in All Seasons: Focused, Fearless and Balanced, which calls us towards 3 elements of qualitative living:
-Focusing on the present moment (not being preoccupied with the past or future).
- Not allowing fear to immobilize us. Beginning to ask, what can we do with fear? How can it fuel our actions for good? And "periodically identifying, refining, and balancing our life priorities to progressively live them as fully as possible with necessary questions for continual self reflection: How do I want to show up in the world, and embody Christ's heart? Am I centering kindness, justice, and actively reaching across differences? Am I making space for repenting when it is necessary?
Walt Shelton is one of the most-read faith columnists in Texas over the past decade, writing countless columns for the Austin American-Statesman. As an attorney, Walt practiced in the past as part of prominent environmental practice groups with Baker Botts, L.L.P. and Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. Although he still maintains a small law practice on his own in Austin, Professor Shelton spends almost all of his law-related work life now teaching, working with students, writing, speaking, and contributing to education in a service role through ENRLS activities. You can read his full bio here.
Key Takeaways:
-Mindfulness and living a life which lifts up justice, equality and being in beloved community are interconnected. God calls us to see one another fully. We should hear a lot more about mindfulness in our churches, "Go out and pay attention to the people around you, and be kind and compassionate with them," Walt says.
- In his book, Walt lifts up the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (found in Luke 16:19-31), and connects it to mindfulness which helps us live awake. The rich man had multiple opportunities to help, and didn't because of being consumed with his own life. This way of centering self above community is normalized in our society, and around the world; it cuts us off from connecting with one another in the ways God intends.
- We must move away from the disease of multi-tasking; scriptures speak of the importance of a healthy eye, and Walt sees this as connected to singular focus which helps us engage in community with deeper intention, "one person, one need at a time."
- Living a mindful life is a process; we can start where we are right now. Even if it is just a few moments a day. Set aside time to be with God, away from distractions. If Jesus needed time away to replenish himself, we certainly do!
Learn more about Walt’s latest book here.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Walt's book, Authentic Living in All Seasons: Focused, Fearless and Balanced (stay connected with his work on his website).
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:19-31
Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh (nominated by Dr. King for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967, King called him an “apostle of peace and nonviolence.”
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