Spark Tending Resources
A compilation of resources used in the Austin Seminary Spark Tending Guide
Guiding Passages
Session 1 (September): What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade by Brad Aaron Modlin.
Session 3 (November): Wild Geese by Mary Oliver (read by Mary herself)
Session 5 (February): Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps by Andrea Gibson (this is a video of Andrea performing this poem; here is the text only version)
Going Deeper Books
The entire list can be found (and purchased) here.
Session 1 (September): The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker and Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Session 2 (October): From Weary to Wholehearted by Callie Swanlund and Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
Session 3 (November): Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, and Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day by Kaitlin Curtice
Session 4 (December): The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown and The Rest Deck: 50 Practices to Resist Grind Culture by Tricia Hersey
Session 5 (February): Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner, The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Session 6 (March): Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May and This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us by Cole Arthur Riley
Session 7 (April): Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer and The Company We Keep by Alex Elle
Session 8 (May): Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert and Atomic Habits by James Clear
SPARK Playlist
I’ve compiled a playlist of songs that connect with the SPARK Practices. Below are a few of the selections; the entire playlist can be found at this link.
Loosen by Aly Halpert (Soma)
Take Up Your Spade by Sara Watkins (Preparation)
Light of a Clear Blue Morning by The Wailin’ Jennys (Awe)
The Lost Words Blessing by Spell Songs (Retreat)
Carry This All by Alexandra Blakely (Kinship)
Stay Connected
I would love to stay connected. Please join my Wholehearted Wisdom list for reflections and upcoming events, browse my website, or send me a note!
—Callie