Courageous Listening

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Sherri Dotter, RScP, Chris Johnson, RScP, & musician Marsh Brodeur

Video Chapter Index

0:00	Taizé	Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner: To cast the video to your Smart TV, click the Play on TV button: . Also, we now have Closed Captioning available! To access Closed Captions, start the video and click on the CC icon next to the gear in the lower right of the video screen:
19:32	Guided Meditation
51:44	Conscious Conversation

Taizé

Call to Awareness – 3 Bells

Sherri – Opening Prayer

Rev. Diana – Welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, following the Common Threads of Truth that run through the world’s traditions. I pray that this morning will lead you to the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.

We begin our meditative journey this morning by joining our voices in musical prayer.

Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh Taizé Chants

Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
Dropping Down, written by Karen Drucker, Amy Bishop, & Gary Lynn Floyd

Rev. Diana – Dropping Down into the stillness that dwells within every heart, taking a long, slow, deep breath in…feeling the Presence of New Life as it enters your being…and letting it go, relaxing the body and feeling fully supported…allowing the breath to carry you inward to the deep Peace and Wholeness that is always available…always the Truth of who you are…(Pause) grounding even more deeply into the silence, and sensing an opening, of the heart, of the mind, of the Spirit within…preparing the soul for deep and Courageous Listening…for receiving the gift of this time together…the time to Be Still and Know that we are inextricably connected by a Holy Presence that surrounds, infuses, and is forever expressing Itself as this beautiful planet and everything on it, and as all that lies beyond…every human, every other-than-human creature, every plant…the rocks and minerals, water and wind, stars and planets…and all the space between us…

…alive…in relationship…forever connected by our co-existence at this time, in this place…forever one in Spirit. As we share time in prayer and meditation, we leave an imprint of Peace on the world…the Love that we feel and express brings a showering of Grace to the cosmos. Take a moment to feel into the atmosphere we are creating…

As we come together, we set an intention…that each of us is a beneficial presence on the planet…that each leaves a positive imprint on human evolution…and that as a community, we use this time to move the world toward a more Generous, Compassionate, Harmonious expression…we walk as Love in action.

This morning we center our reflections and contemplations on Courageous Listening…listening for the soft voice of the soul, when what it has to say is difficult to receive.

The voice of the soul is always present and available, but it awaits an invitation to speak. It will not force itself upon you. It requires a degree of stillness, solitude, silence, before it will venture forth. Its nature is softness…gentleness. Its purpose is to guide you to your next life-affirming step, not to send you running the other way.

Whether we feel it or not, there is a deep part of us that is always at Peace. Peace is a Quality of Spirit, inherent in every being. The soft voice of the soul dwells in the still water that lies within us. It is a gentle guide, but one who leads with certainty. It has no need to be loud…no need to be heard. Its Guidance is a gift, and it awaits our readiness to receive. Its pure intention is to lead us to genuine transformation. “The soul’s soft voice is its self-contained confidence in its deep truth.”

Also, the soul knows that “something spoken just above a whisper encourages more concentrated effort to pay attention…” By speaking softly, it invites us to listen deeply.

Finally, “the soul may speak softly for fear of frightening us with alarming truth.” (Soul Talk, Kirk Byron Jones) Listening for the soft voice of the soul is a courageous act. There is so much that we would rather not hear…criticism, tragic news, confirmation of failure…messages that are difficult to receive. But by turning a deaf ear to such communications, we are missing the opportunities for growth that each one brings. Rather than pushing aside the soul’s more challenging revelations, we move into the Practice of Courageous Listening…intentional and deliberate attention to messages that leave us feeling threatened.

“Courageous listening, choosing to pay attention in spite of feeling threatened, can present us with data to grow we may have no other way of attaining. Genuine transformation hinges on our choosing to hear from a friend, a situation, or your soul, new possibilities buried in what initially sounds unbearable.” (Soul Talk, Kirk Byron Jones)

What does it mean to be genuinely transformed? It refers to the recreation of self that goes beyond form, to the changing of our very character or nature. And so, in entering the Sacred Practice of Courageous Listening, we begin by asking ourselves… “Am I interested in genuine transformation in this lifetime? If so, the soft voice of the soul is ready and awaiting your invitation.

Musical Meditation– You Can Relax Now, by Susan McCullen

Chris – Guided Meditation

You can relax now… breathe deeply… I Am the Great Spirit within you… speaking through the soft voice of your soul… Oh, my sweet child… who do you think you are?… You are the child of God… and that will never change… You had a dream… you misunderstood… you thought we were separate… but now, hear my voice…

You can relax now… open your inner ear… breathe deeply… I Am with you… You are the love of God’s life… your Soul’s one creation… You are eternity… and that can never change… Your soul is that changeless part of you… that within you that has never been hurt… was never born… and can never die…

You can trust the soft voice of your Soul… its only agenda is to grow you… to evolve you… to help you express more fully the Child of God you truly are… and yet, sometimes its message is difficult for us to hear… the Soul’s call to change may be perceived as criticism… our defenses may get triggered… resistance may arise…

How can we break through our resistance?… our defensiveness?… With humble acceptance… acceptance of both our divine perfection… and our human flaws… We listen from the heart… with courageous vulnerability… with deep faith that we are being guided into a greater expression of our truest Self…

In our three minutes of shared Silent Contemplation this morning, invite your Soul into loving conversation… into self-compassionate communion… into a radically honest, undefended, yet gentle self-inquiry… Ask your soul what divine qualities are seeking to flow more powerfully through you… and how to bring them forth… What must I release that no longer serves me?… What must I embrace or accept about myself?… Then listen for your Soul’s answers completely without judgment…

Silence – 3:00

O, Divine Beloved, thank you for the gentle voice of my Soul… thank you for giving me the courage to be humble… vulnerable… accepting of both my virtues and my shortcomings… Thank you for my many blessings… and for the challenges which make me grow in character and resilience… In profound gratitude I accept it all…

Courage is not fearlessness… Courage acknowledges our resistance… confronts our fears… and overcomes our defensiveness… It is a response of the heart… a willingness to risk losing who we have been so that we may become who the Soul calls us to be… a more loving, compassionate, and wiser version of ourSelf…

As Rev. Diana continues her Taizé message this morning, we recognize the soft voice of the Soul singing along… making sure that we receive what we came here for… We let down our guard, open our hearts, and prepare for Courageous Listening…

Rev. Diana

How do we become more Courageous Listeners? First, by practicing more curiosity and questioning and less criticism and judgment. Ask a question where you would normally make a ruling. Transformation is shut down when we immediately dismiss what we don’t have to and don’t want to hear.

(Pause)

Second, focus on listening with patience. We tend to rush what we would rather be rid of. Allow pauses before responding to others, or to the voice of the soul. Give unsettling communication a chance to land, to be fully heard and comprehended. (Pause)

Third, seek first to understand. Listen with compassion, for genuine understanding, rather than simply remaining quiet as you formulate your response from what you already think you know. (Pause)

And finally, “root your worth (your value), in who you are, not what you hear. We can more readily risk hearing what we don’t want to hear if we remember that nothing we can ever hear has the power to ultimately separate us from God’s grace, mercy, and love.” (Soul Talk, Kirk Byron Jones)

Let’s spend a moment letting that message soak in…”nothing we can ever hear has the power to ultimately separate us from God’s grace, mercy, and love.”

Rev. Diana, Chris & Marsh – Musical Meditation

Rev. Diana – Closing Prayer

Holy One, Great Mystery, Giver of All Life…

I speak to you as though you might be elsewhere…as though we might be separate. But I know the Truth…we are One. You are the Infinite Intelligence, the Sentient Energy, the vital Life Force, that moves in, through and as all things. You are that which gives Life to this physical form. It is the Spirit that surrounds and infuses all of creation to which I speak…it is the Spirit within from which I speak.

In my journal, I spoke to you, asking what you would have me know. The words that poured through my pen were meant, in that moment, for me. But I know that they were meant to move through me to those in my Spiritual Family. Your message was clear… “There is a perfect path ahead of you, a perfect place (or process) for the next leg of your journey to unfold. Let me lead you…let me be your Strength, your Courage, and your Clarity. No matter where the path leads, I am always there. You are my Beloved in whom I Am well pleased. Being human is a most challenging path…your soul has chosen for your human form a life of intense growth, a steep climb. But know that we are One, Divine Presence and human form…the soul is where we are joined, simultaneously expressed. As the soul speaks, listen…find Guidance…and bring forth the human willingness to take the next step. I will never fail you.”

Holy One, my human form is (sometimes) tired, feeling jumbled, like the solid ground beneath my feet is not so solid. (At times) I could so easily go into overwhelm…but I choose otherwise…I choose the stability of the ever-present, eternal, and unchanging One. You are my hands, feet, heart, and voice. You are what I Am…I give thanks…I let go and let God. And so it is! Amen!

Coming back into this space, we open our eyes, our heats, and our minds. Take a look at who is here celebrating with you this morning. This is your Spiritual Family…one of your support systems. These are some of the people who care about you, who are there for you if you need anything.

Love Offering

As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do should you choose to do so. If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. We are a self-sustaining Community, depending on your generous gifts.

As we support our Mystic Heart Gathering Place by joining in the sacred Practice of Circulation, help we welcome Marsh to share his beautiful voice.

Marsh – Offertory Music

Take Me to the Alley, written by Gregory Porter

Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering

Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Closing Song

A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson

Conscious Conversation

Sherri – Opening Prayer

Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Opening Music

Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
How Can I Serve? written by Rickie Byars

Rev. Diana – Good morning and welcome, or welcome back…if you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, following the Common Threads of Truth that run through the world’s traditions. I pray that this morning you are discovering the Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.

Let’s keep that Powerful Energy going and growing as we join in the Sacred Practice of envisioning a Love-Soaked World.

We enter the imaginal realm together…that space of Infinite Potential, where Spirit and matter are work together, turning all things to Good. We find ourselves in a world where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity…their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…

This is a world without greed…where there is abundance in having enough…where all needs are met gracefully and easily…where nutritious food, clean water and air are readily available to all, no matter where you live, the color of your skin, or which family you’re born into…

…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…

…where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, honesty, and Wholeness…

Ours is a world where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…all are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness. Authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed but celebrated. The Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference. The Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love. We have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves.

By the Power of our collective intention, imagining, and inspired action, we have undergone an amazing transformation…we are living in a world that works for all beings. Giving no power to appearances, we live according to our highest aspirations…we do not lower our Vision no matter what the world may say. We are at Peace with our families, friends, neighbors, and other nations.

This Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family during this time of profound transformation…it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love, as we are Guided to the Truth that lies within every heart.

Giving thanks for the Beauty of our world and trusting that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, my Word is acted upon here and now. In full Acceptance and great Joy, and with the deepest humility, I release this Prayer to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!

Bringing awareness back to the body, to the room, to this beautiful life, and to the amazing beings who share this space with us this morning…

If you were with us at Taizé this morning, you know that we have been contemplating the idea of Courageous Listening…listening for the soft voice of the soul, when what it has to say is difficult to receive…that the voice of the soul is always present and available, but it awaits an invitation to speak…that it requires a degree of stillness before it will venture forth.

It is a peaceful, gentle guide that leads with certainty. It has no need to be loud…no need to be heard. Its Guidance is a gift, and it awaits our readiness to receive. Its pure intention is to lead us to genuine transformation…it knows that “something spoken just above a whisper encourages more concentrated effort to pay attention…and we said that the soul may speak softly for fear of frightening us with alarming truth.” (Soul Talk, Kirk Byron Jones)…and that listening for the soft voice of the soul is a courageous act. There is so much that we would rather not hear…criticism, tragic news, confirmation of failure…messages that are difficult to receive. But by turning a deaf ear to such communications, we are missing the opportunities for growth that each one brings.

We talked about genuine transformation…the recreation of self that goes beyond form, to the changing of our very character or nature. And we asked ourselves, “Am I interested in genuine transformation in this lifetime?

I’m going to use this question as our springboard this morning, then move into some of the tools that can help us become Courageous Listeners, people ready to take on whatever the soul has to offer for our Good and our Growth.

Take a moment to ask yourself, “Am I interested in genuine transformation in this lifetime?”

What do you think that might look like for you personally?

Do you know for sure what it might look like? Why not?

So, how do you move in the direction of something when you’re uncertain of your target?

We said that genuine transformation…trans, beyond…formation, physical form…is a change that happens at a much deeper level than our body, or even our mental, psychological, or emotional levels, although these may all be affected in a genuine transformation. But what we’re talking about is a change, not only in the way we think, speak, and act, but a transformation of our very nature…character…essence.

What does that mean to you? (Embodiment…living from a softer, gentler, more compassionate nature without having to try…without having to think about it)

Does it mean aligning with the Goodness that you already are?

So, what do you think might be helpful in making such a genuine transformation?

(Becoming a more Courageous Listener to the soft voice of the soul, and following its Guidance, rather than letting my egoic voice drive me)

I have four tools to share with you to help in the process of becoming a more Courageous Listener. First, when you are listening, either to another person or situation, or to the quiet voice of the soul, practice more curiosity and questioning and less criticism and judgment. Ask a question where you would normally make a ruling. Transformation is shut down when we immediately dismiss what we don’t have to and don’t want to hear.

Are there times that you don’t want to hear something? What is your reaction?

How might that be helpful?

Can you think of a time when listening with patience would have been beneficial?

Third, listen with the desire to come to an accurate understanding. Listen with compassion, openness, and curiosity, rather than simply remaining quiet as you formulate your response from what you already think you know.

What is the brain usually doing when we’re listening to another?

(wandering, forming a response, waiting for our turn to speak, thinking we already have the answer, judging, etc.)

How does this get in the way of genuine understanding?

Okay, last tool for becoming a more courageous listener… “root your worth (your value), in who you are, not what you hear. (Kirk Byron Jones says that) We can more readily risk hearing what we don’t want to hear if we remember that nothing we can ever hear has the power to ultimately separate us from God’s grace, mercy, and love.” (Soul Talk, Kirk Byron Jones)

Why are we sometimes so affected by what others say?

Why are we sometimes so afraid of what the soul, or our deepest knowing, has to offer? (it might not be in alignment with our preferences…we might not get what we want)

Last week we said that it is a sign of emotional and spiritual maturity to consciously own the choices we make. It is another sign of emotional and spiritual maturity to be able to take in outside input with equanimity, giving it honest consideration without letting it disturb our peace…to listen with curiosity and openness to what the soul has to say…actually letting Higher Wisdom Guide our actions moving forward.

What are you taking with you from our Conversation today?

Is there anything else that needs to be spoken right now?

Closing Prayer – I’d like to once again share a powerful prayer that came through me on Friday, as our Practitioner Team gathered in Spiritual Retreat and prayer for the Community. This prayer spoke very personally to me, but made it clear that it was for all of our Community, so please join me in this knowing:

Holy One, Great Mystery, Giver of All Life…

…your soul has chosen for your human form a life of intense growth, a steep climb. But know that we are One, Divine Presence and human form…the soul is where we are joined, simultaneously expressed. As the soul speaks, listen…find Guidance…and bring forth the human willingness to take the next step. I will never fail you.”

I invite you to bring your awareness back to your body, to your senses, to the atmosphere in the room. And when you are ready, open your eyes to re-enter the space. Welcome back.

Love Offering

As we close our time in Conversation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.

We are an independent, self-sustaining organization, so we depend on your generous gifts of support. If you have found value in our time together this morning, share the Love.

We also have a Gracious Giving Program for those who would like to make a heartfelt monthly commitment of support so that we can more effectively plan for our growth.

As we support our Mystic Heart Gathering Place by joining in the sacred Practice of Circulation, help we welcome Marsh back up to share another beautiful song…this one, a very personal composition that he wrote. I’ll let him introduce it.

Marsh – Offertory Song

Always, written by Marsh Brodeur

Sherri Blesses the Offering

Sherri – Invitations

The Mystic Heart Book Club meets every Tuesday from 3-5 We are reading a new book, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It weaves together Indigenous Wisdom, Ecology, and Spirituality into a rich and beautiful memoir that speaks to the heart.
This Wednesday, from 11am – 1pm, Chris continues his study of the Bhagavad Gita; The Gita is an on-going drop-in book study.
And from 2 – 5 pm, Rev. Diana continues Science and Spirit: A Study in Consciousness. Diana’s is a deep dive into consciousness, and this is the last this is the last week to add the class.
Fast Track to Wellness meets every Thursday from 11-1 pm. We are listening to and discussing an amazing book, Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things.
This Thursday from 2-5 pm, Rev. Diana is continuing her Shadow and Story class. Check the bulletin, or online for more information, and let Rev. Diana know if you plan to attend. This is the last week to add this class.

Looking Ahead…

A Mystic Heart Fun-Raiser…Mexican Train Game Day, Monday, September 22^nd , from 1:00-3:30 pm. Feel free to BYOB if you prefer something other than coffee, tea, or water. Suggested donation of $5 – ??? Remaining dates for this year are October 27^th and November 17^th. No meeting in December.
Echoes of Summer, Whispers of Fall : A Monthly Sound Bath and Mid-Week Re-set, September 24^th, 6:30 – 7:30 with April and Maile.
On October 11^th, from 4-7 pm, we are holding a Celebration of Life, Mexican Potluck, and Drumming Circle in honor of our Brother, David Aiken. Please let Rev. Diana know if you’d like to attend. Note – the time in the bulletin is not correct. 4-7 is the time of this event.
Save the date…on October 18 from 11am – 1pm, April Jimenez will present Dancing the Medicine Wheel, part three (Fall)…Harvest of the Heart.
Call Diana to talk about the Spring Retreat.

There is more information available in the new September Bulletin. Remember to take one home with you. Or check online at MysticHeart.org.

Information Cards if new people

Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in the Practitioner Prayer room or if you like, fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.

Rev. Diana, Chris, & Marsh – Closing Song

Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP, & Gary Lynn Floyd

©2025 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.

Compassion, Curiosity, Resistance, Seek to Understand, The Soul's Voice, Transformation

Sunday Gathering