Today we’re excited to welcome back Thomas McConkie to celebrate a new season of another Faith Matters podcast he hosts: One Heart, One Mind. Together, we dig into the story of Mary and Martha, which he recently explored in an episode there.

Drawing on decades of contemplative practice, Thomas’s read of this story is that it may be inviting us to discover the kind of presence that allows us to carry the stillness of Mary into the action of Martha. It’s a new understanding that means we don’t have to leave divine presence—whether we’re at the Savior’s feet or getting dinner on the table.

In this conversation, we also talk about how easily even an invitation to grace can become another item on our spiritual checklist—another way to feel like we’re falling short. Thomas invites us instead to turn toward that wound with compassion, and to remember that transformation doesn’t have to begin with fear, shame, or even striving for self-improvement. It can begin with the recognition that we are already and completely loved.

Thomas has a remarkable gift for helping us slow down and experience these ideas rather than simply think about them. We loved this conversation, and we hope you will too.

You can find Thomas' book At-One-Ment here, and find even more from him at LowerLightsWisdom.org.

Thomas also shared his insights into the Mary and Martha duality in an episode of Proclaim Peace, a portion of which has been adapted for print and included in the brand-new print issue of Wayfare specially created to accompany your Advent and Christmas celebrations. Get your copy here, or become a Wayfare subscriber by October 31 to receive one in the mail — and take a look inside the issue here!

The Christmas issue of Wayfare is now available to preorder! Order your copies (bulk discounts are available—it's the perfect gift!) or become a paid Wayfare subscriber by October 31 to receive them by the first Sunday of Advent, and get a look inside the issue here!