Dr. Ray Mitsch's discourse on grace navigates the intricate terrain of human emotion, spirituality, and the paradoxes that arise within the context of divine acceptance. He underscores the Outpost's role as a sanctuary for those who feel marginalized by their own perceived inadequacies. Mitsch's reflections lead him to confront the pervasive mental…

Engaging with the intricacies of grief, Dr. Ray Mitsch joins Lisa Anderson on the Boundless Show to discuss his insightful book, "The Seasons of Our Grief: Embracing the Journey." The discussion sheds light on the prevalent misconceptions surrounding grief, particularly the linear models often referenced in psychological literature. Dr. Mitsch argu…

Summary The central theme of this discourse revolves around the dichotomy between a formulaic approach to spirituality and the profound nature of faith. Dr. Ray Mitsch elucidates the pervasive tendency among individuals to reduce their relationship with the divine to a mere series of if-then propositions, thereby undermining the essential trust and…

Dr. Ray Mitsch embarks on an exploration of grace, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of relationships and faith. He begins by establishing the Outpost as a digital community designed to facilitate connection and understanding through the core values of authenticity, trust, grace, and intimacy. These values not only serve as guiding principles …

Engaging with the intricacies of grief, Dr. Ray Mitsch joins Lisa Anderson on the Boundless Show to discuss his insightful book, "The Seasons of Our Grief: Embracing the Journey." The discussion sheds light on the prevalent misconceptions surrounding grief, particularly the linear models often referenced in psychological literature. Dr. Mitsch argu…

Dr. Ray Mitsch explores the complexities of grief and the significance of anniversaries in this thought-provoking episode. He emphasizes that facing loss and sorrow, rather than avoiding it, can lead to a deeper understanding of life and its meaning. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Mitsch highlights the difference between mere knowledge about grief …

Authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships, as discussed by Dr. Ray Mitsch in this episode of the Outpost podcast. He dives into the complexities surrounding the concept of being genuine and the societal pressures that often lead us to present a curated version of ourselves. Dr. Mitsch emphasizes that true authenticity cannot be en…

This podcast episode delves into the complex nature of grief, emphasizing the distinction between viewing grief as a series of stages versus experiencing it as a series of seasons. Dr. Ray Mitsch reflects on the emotional turmoil and experiences that arise during the grieving process, particularly highlighting the "spring of our grief" where feelin…

What Christians should know about Gen Z is at the forefront of this engaging conversation between Dr. Ray Mitsch and Sarah Zylstra. The episode delves into the unique challenges and perspectives of the Gen Z generation, exploring their spiritual inclinations, community needs, and the impact of social media on their lives. Zylstra highlights that wh…

This podcast delves into the crucial distinction between vulnerability and accountability in our lives, particularly within Christian communities. The discussion emphasizes that while accountability often involves external pressures and questions, true growth stems from personal vulnerability—an act of willingly exposing oneself to potential emotio…

Intimacy is essential for growth, love, and community, requiring both trust and vulnerability. Dr. Ray Mitsch explores the profound connection between being known and the courage it takes to reveal our true selves. He emphasizes that vulnerability is the soul of love, highlighting how it fosters deep relationships and helps combat loneliness. Throu…

Conflict is the gateway to intimacy, and in this episode, Doctor Ray Mitch explores how engaging in healthy dialogue during disagreements can deepen our relationships rather than destroy them. He emphasizes that dialogue is more important than simply achieving a desired outcome, as it fosters understanding and connection between individuals. Throug…

Forgiveness is a complex and often contentious theme that resonates deeply within relationships, particularly when hurt and betrayal are involved. Dr. Mitsch delves into the multifaceted nature of forgiveness, challenging the simplistic notion of 'forgive and forget'. He argues that true forgiveness involves acknowledging the hurt and the complexit…

Have you ever been around someone who just can't take "no" for an answer? It seems that it becomes a challenge for them to talk you out of it. That's what boundaries are all about, and why they are so important in relationships. Listen in to find out more!By Dr. Ray Mitsch

Are you ever accused of playing God? The reality is that the scourge of a lot of relationships is the blight of control and attempting to control other people and how they think as if we had the power of God. We all know that God is God and we are not, but that doesn't stop of trying to exercise that kind of power over our world and relationships. …

Your truth or my truth? After a brief review of the nature of redemptive community, Dr. Mitsch dives into talking about the most basic building block of the relationships in the outpost is how we handle truth. It's important to understand what "truth" we are speaking to one another. Listen to find out more!…

The journey through sorrow is filled with surprises some happy, some unexpected, and some downright bad. How do we navigate these, and what is important about them? The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://www.…

What kind of community are you looking for? Better yet, what kind of community do you create? Listen in as Dr. Mitsch talks about the fourth community that combines all the best qualities of principle-driven, support-driven, and insight-driven communities. It's the vision for the future of "outpost groups" developed by SGI.…

Dr. Mitsch dives into a topic that we love to talk about, but struggle to live with any degree of authenticity. How are you at accepting grace in your life?By Dr. Ray Mitsch

What kind of community do you create? What kind of community are you looking for? Dr. Mitsch returns to the airwaves starting a series about the nature of the relationships in outposts for the heart. Listen in as he distinguishes the different kind of communities you might have already experienced.By Dr. Ray Mitsch

Dr. Mitsch reaches back into the archives to tackle a very familiar topic not only from his career in helping people, but also his teaching career. He tackles the issue of how comfortable shame is for us. Shame is an underestimated but overly familiar feature of most of our relationships with ourselves, with others and with God. Without a clear und…

How is physical healing like emotional healing? Dr. Mitsch reflects on his recent recovery from knee replacement to the emotional healing that grief and loss presents us through our lives. Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://w…

Dr. Mitsch takes the time to look at the very nature of our journey through life and the subtext that goes with it - sorrow. Being true to ourselves and how we feel may actually free us to connect with people who want to do so the same! The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here All Night by A…

Dr. Mitsch reports on one more silent retreat. There were significant insights and metaphors discovered to convey the contours of each retreatants spiritual journey. Listen in to find out how much the discoveries of this small group of people relate to your own experiences. --------------------------------- The Critical Journey Find out more about …

Sometimes our greatest fear is that we will be perceived as selfish as we walk the journey of grief. There is little discussion to be found about the difference between being selfish, and healthy self-care. Listen in to find out the difference, and the importance of self-care as we grieve. The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Lea…

As we come in for a landing about the spiritual journey, Dr. Mitsch examines what "settling in" for our lifelong journey looks like. --------------------------------- The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief hereBy Dr. Ray Mitsch

What's grace have to do with our journey through sorrow, or even living life? Listen in to see the connection between grace, grief, and expectations. The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free…

Find out what happens during the final day of the silent retreat.By Dr. Ray Mitsch

During the journey we are always looking for some sign that we are back to "normal." Of course, we never define what "normal" is. Dr. Mitsch takes the time to explore our desire for "normal" and what we can do to find ways to be gentle with ourselves through our journey through grief. The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn mo…

Find out what happens between day 1 and day 2 on a silent retreat. Now that students have detoxified from all the noise and sound of their lives, what happens. Listen in to find out!By Dr. Ray Mitsch

When we are walking our journey of grief, we are often at a loss for what is the “right” way to do it. We are searching for a way to figure out whether we are engaging the journey through grief in a way that will allow us to get through it as fast as possible. Unfortunately, speed isn’t the issue. It is our full engagement with the journey that is …

Ever wonder what happens at a silent retreat? Join Dr. Ray Mitsch with his first on-location report about day 1 of the Spring 2024 Silent Retreat.By Dr. Ray Mitsch

During these early days and weeks of sorrow, we often feel like we are caught in a time warp, and then we are jerked back to a reality that we really didn't want to return to. That's where Dr. Mitsch is. He takes the time to reflect on the recent reactions, feelings, and struggle to accept a reality that he really doesn't want to accept. Life may g…

In the aftermath of the funeral service, there is a natural time of reflection and a disconcerting level of numbness that settles in. How do we navigate the reflections from all the conversations and stories that are shared? ------------------------- The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here …

At this stage of our spiritual journey, we move into "the wild." In other words, we move from the inward journey exploring the landscape of our hearts, to the outward journey focused on serving others not as an escape from our hearts, but as an outpouring of what we have been developing in our hearts. Check it out, and see how it relates to you! --…

"I appreciate the condolences from people, but it just prompts more pain for me." That's a quote from someone as he tried to navigate his journey through grief. The compassion offered by those for our grief journey ends up hurting as much as it helps. Why is that? What can we do in response? All Night by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ M…

Now that we are managing the challenges of "the wall," what's next? What does it look like to deepen our relationship with God and not depend on all that we can "do for Him?" ------------------------- The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief hereBy Dr. Ray Mitsch

Join Dr. Mitsch as he reflects on his own journey through grief, and examines the role that comparisons play in interrupting and disrupting the important work there is to do with our grief. Our comparisons will often rob us of the opportunity to honor the relationship we had with the person we loved. Check out Dr. Mitsch's newest book! Looking for …

What do you do when everything you thought was true about your spiritual walk with God gets shaken by life experiences, or a traumatic event in your life, or a crisis? We have some very important choices to make, but how do we make them when we have never visited this "place" in our spiritual journey? No one seems to be able to help us and our usua…

Have you ever heard the word, "lament?" It evokes images of weeping, wailing, and profound grief doesn't it? We don't often use the word anymore, but it is very fitting for what we feel when we lose someone we loved. Join Dr. Mitsch on this personal journey of lament in everyday life and see what you can learn about your own journey through grief.…

Join Dr. Mitsch as he navigates the waters of his own seasons of grief He will be reflecting and commenting on the journey through grief as he experiences it. The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief hereBy Dr. Ray Mitsch

As we continue your spiritual journey, we find ourselves at "stage" 3. The choice we have to make is our relationship with God or being productive FOR God. Listen in find out how to deepen your intimacy with God rather than your usefulness. The Critical Journey Find out more about SGI community: Learn more about Seasons of our Grief here…

As the spiritual journey gets underway, there are some key elements that are important to keep in mind. These include choosing your mentor carefully, and avoiding just collecting information about God rather than having a relationship WITH Him. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls, and take advantage the opportunities that are an important part of ph…

The first stage of the spiritual journey is the converted life. What does it look like, what are the challenges, and how do we make progress? Listen in to find out! Podcast links: The Critical JourneyBy Dr. Ray Mitsch

The spiritual journey? What is it, and why is it so important? Dr. Mitsch explores the key issues of your spiritual journey, and what things to anticipate as you continue your journey.By Dr. Ray Mitsch

In the last installment of the Seasons of our Grief series, Dr. Mitsch explains what the season of fall looks like in terms of the task, traits, and tools necessary to navigate the last part of the active healing journey through grief. Find out more about what this looks like, and what next steps there are in the journey through grief! Find out mor…

Just when we think we are "out of the woods" of our grief, we are ambushed by unexpectedly strong emotions. What's up with that? It's called the summer of our grief. Listen in as Dr. Mitsch explains the important role that the summer of our grief plays in our journey of grief. Find out more about SGI community: Reserve a spot at the upcoming Book L…

Dr. Mitsch continues our series on the seasons of our grief. Spring presents another unique challenge as we walk the journey of grief. Listen to find out what the task, traits, and tools that are part of the spring of our grief. Find out more about SGI community: Reserve a spot at the upcoming Book Launch Party…

Continuing our three part series allowing listeners to hear the thoughts and conclusions from those who have experienced a silent retreat. Listen to two of our "veterans" who have attended 5 or more retreats and the impact it has had on them.By Dr. Ray Mitsch

Dr. Mitsch continues his series about the seasonal approach to thinking and healing from our grief. In this episode, he talks about the first season of our grief - winter. With each season there are characteristics to understand, and tools to use to embrace the journey of our grief. Seasons of our Grief: https://a.co/d/5u1UXmC Find it on SGI: www.s…