Cultivating Wisdom Through Presence

Mar 17, 2025

Being Known Podcast - Episode 2: The Word of God, the Presence of Wisdom, and the Wisdom of Presence

Featuring: Dr. Kurt Thompson and Pepper Sweeney

Introduction

  • Hosts reflect on the value of using Zoom to connect for recordings
  • Idea of spontaneity in podcast episodes

Main Theme: The Beauty of Wisdom

  • Overarching theme of the series
  • Utilizes the nine domains of interpersonal neurobiology
  • Biblical narrative as a foundation for wisdom

Understanding Wisdom

  • Wisdom does not emerge automatically; it is acquired through experience
  • Connection between consciousness and wisdom
  • Consciousness defined as being awake, alert, and attuned

Biblical Perspective on Wisdom

  • Wisdom was present with God at the creation
  • Contrast with other cultural creation narratives

Importance of Presence

  • Being present and attuned to relationships
  • The Spirit of God hovers over chaos without violence

Integrating Consciousness and Wisdom

  • Conscious domain of integration in neuroscience
  • Being aware, alert, and attuned to surroundings and people

Tripod of Awareness

  • Open, observant, and objective
  • SIFT B: Sense, Image, Feel, Think, Behavior

Practice of Presence

  • Relating presence to creativity and art
  • Mako Fujimura's concept of 'slow beauty' in art

Wisdom and Speech

  • Words as extensions of presence
  • Economy of language in wisdom

Relationship Dynamics

  • Wisdom as relational and dynamic
  • Being image bearers of God in relationships

Wisdom and Trauma

  • Impact of trauma and shame on acquiring wisdom
  • Importance of addressing past experiences

Artistic Perspective on Wisdom

  • Wisdom as an artistic endeavor
  • Mako Fujimura's artistic process as a metaphor for acquiring wisdom

Practical Applications

  • Practice attuning to SIFT B daily
  • Be present with others, mindful of interactions

Conclusion

  • Reflect on the interconnectedness of wisdom, presence, and relationships
  • Encourage listeners to practice being known and present with others

Final Thoughts

  • Presence in art and personal development
  • Embrace the process of acquiring wisdom like an unfolding artwork
  • Patience with self and others in the journey towards wisdom

These notes summarize episode 2 of the Being Known Podcast, focusing on the cultivation of wisdom through presence, integration of consciousness, and the importance of relational dynamics, all grounded in a Biblical framework.