Episode 152

full
Published on:

7th Aug 2023

The Habits of Stillness and Community with Ed Bacon

You may be familiar with him from his Super Soul Sunday radio series and his popular interview with Oprah from over ten years ago. Whether or not you've heard him--or of him--Reverend Ed Bacon has a second mountain message we could all use in our lives.

The Reverend was ordained an Episcopal priest after serving as Mercer University’s Minister to Students and Dean of Students as a Southern Baptist minister. He was dean of the cathedral in Jackson, Ms. and rector of churches in Dalton, Georgia and Pasadena, California from which he “retired” in 2016.

He says he flunked retirement in 2018 when he became interim rector at St. Luke’s, Atlanta where he had been ordained in 1983. He and his wife, Hope, moved to Hoover, Alabama in 2016 to be near their grandchildren.

Now he travels, teaching how our Oneness in Love overcomes our fear-based separateness. He expresses this spiritual way of life in his book, 8 Habits of Love. His missions also include creation care including helping to save the Pando forest in southern Utah, interspirituality, healing grief and trauma, and dismantling systems of all forms of bigotry and oppression.

Today, he shares with us is the inspiring and challenging depths we can get to on a regular basis if we’re able to get still with ourselves. The wisdom, the ability to let go of our egoic fears, and hold on to the things that we say we value, are all a part of the message and ideas he shares with us today.

Time Stamps:

What does living in your big self mean to you? 3:28

The ego and its purpose.

Making decisions based on ego strength. 9:09

Stillness is a superpower. 14:52

The ocean metaphor.

Advice for the average person who hears this message. 19:50

How to become more aware of distractions.

How to make yourself still and quiet.

How stillness opens up the learner's mindset. 22:50

The difference between fear and love.

The difference between the learner’s mind and the learners mind. 28:18

Community and practicing the habit of community.

Thomas Merton and community. 33:11

One of history's greatest spiritual revelations, the "Louisville Epiphany."

Community is the root of unity.

The sweetness of the second mountain. 38:20

Habits of love are interconnected.

The sweetness of the second mountain.

Stillness and the gift of stillness. 44:35

Show Notes:

His 2012 interview with Oprah

Twitter: @RevEdBacon

Facebook: @RevEdBacon

Instagram: revedbacon

Check out his book here: 8 Habits of Love

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About the Podcast

The Humanist
Lead yourself. Lead others. Live creative. No one said this would be easy.
Live your values. Find sanctuary. Discover and embrace your authentic self. Embark on your path of self-discovery and purposeful living.

With thought leaders, visionaries, and everyday citizens from Chattanooga and beyond, Dr. Chad explores the question: Who are you, and what does it mean to be human now?

Join Dr. Chad Prevost on this transformative journey as he seeks radical new ways to understand and practice what is real. Whether you're seeking to reignite your passion, discover your true calling, or simply live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

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About your host

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Chad Prevost

Dr. Chad has advanced degrees in creative writing, literature, and theology. Being married to a psychotherapist has been another education. A workshop leader and entrepreneur, he has started and participated in writing and literary arts communities in New York, Austin, Atlanta and Chattanooga. He also has experience writing as a journalist for startups in tech and logistics. He is the author of several books of poetry, as well as interactive-fiction for youth. Over the years, he has innovated writing processes to foster reflection and insight, narrative strength, and authentic voice.