Host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca of Visions& reflects on the first season and shares personal insights a year and a half later. She discusses the evolution of Spirit School, initially a decolonizing journey, into a multifaceted space that includes publishing, financial advising, and community workshops. Esquinca also delves into the interplay between decolonizing efforts and world-building, the implications of authenticity, and the challenges of balancing spirituality with material needs. As a new mother, she ponders how to guide her daughter in a changing world. Looking ahead, she emphasizes embracing moral ambiguity and the void as essential steps towards transformation and liberation.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

01:00 Reflecting on Volume One

02:41 Spirit School's Evolution

07:44 Decolonizing and World Building

15:02 The Role of Zines in Spiritual Practice

20:25 Navigating Financial Realities

26:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a profound conversation with Reverend Tom Brackett, the now former Manager for Church Planting and Missional Development for the Episcopal Church. Brackett shares his journey from a rigid evangelical background to an open, wonder-filled spiritual leader. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity and embracing the cyclical nature of life, where ongoing birth and death are necessary. The discussion explores themes of hierarchical structures, emerging spiritual practices, and the necessity of letting go. Brackett illustrates how new life and hope can emerge from what seems like darkness, proposing a shift from power over to power with, and advocating for mutual learning, storytelling, and the reclamation of tradition. The episode delves into ways of navigating institutional constraints, fostering transformation, and midwifing the new into being.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Reverend Tom Brackett

02:27 Tom's Spiritual Journey

04:26 Valerie Kaur's Impactful Sermon

08:08 Exploring Spiritual Longing and Tipping Points

11:42 Wrestling with God and Archetypal Stories

16:08 Institutional Challenges and Spiritual Hunger

22:39 Embracing Death and Rebirth in Spiritual Systems

27:05 New Ways of Gathering and Community

30:34 A Slave to It All

30:54 Dancing with Different Faiths

33:08 Returning to Childlike Wonder

33:43 The Power of Play

36:53 Learning to Dance Again

38:35 Navigating Religious Structures

41:25 Embracing Change and Tradition

46:13 The Wisdom of Letting Go

51:22 A New Horizon

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a deep and illuminating conversation with M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel, co-founders of enfleshed. The dialogue traverses the intersections of spirituality, activism, and creativity, examining topics like decolonizing language, spiritual formation, and navigating digital versus embodied spiritual experiences. The guests share their insights into the challenges and possibilities within evolving spiritual practices, including maintaining accountability and integrating spirituality into all aspects of life. The episode concludes with an exploration of enfleshed’s exciting new project, Sacred Incantations, aimed at creating a repository for trans wisdom and experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:57 Meet the Guests: M Jade Kaiser and Anna Blaedel

01:48 Starting the Conversation

03:15 Decolonizing Language and Practice

05:38 Elemental Wisdoms and Sacred Aliveness

08:18 Self-Descriptions and Current Work

13:51 Digital Relationships and Spiritual Community

30:54 Navigating Multiplicities and Accountability

37:16 The Role of Religion and Spiritual Practice

01:00:40 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca interviews Grace Aheron, a queer, multiracial Asian American antiracist organizer, writer, and liturgist. Grace discusses her journey from church ministry to working with Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), a grassroots organization mobilizing white communities to fight racism. The conversation delves into Grace's identity, her personal and collective spiritual practices, and the intersection of spirituality with social justice work. The episode also explores themes such as the evolving landscape of spirituality, collective grief, and the challenges and transformations within political and faith-based organizing.

00:00 Introduction to Visions& and Today's Guest

01:01 Meet Grace Aheron: Background and Current Work

02:00 Personal Reflections and Vocational Journey

06:07 Rituals and Spiritual Practices

09:50 Spirituality and Social Justice

14:15 Exploring Christian Identity and Collective Stories

22:53 Decolonizing Spirituality and Political Identity

36:54 The Role of Grief and Collective Action

41:11 Future Visions and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a dynamic conversation with Reverend Lindsey Turner, an astrologer and pluralist pastor who leads the school Maker of the Bear. Lindsey shares insights into integrating astrology with Christianity, emphasizing the importance of community, creativity, and spiritual practices. The discussion explores complex themes such as fate and free will, the impact of historic religious narratives, as well as the importance of cultivating personal intuition and discernment. Lindsey also highlights the significance of mythic stories, specifically Venusian myths, and their relevance to our current spiritual landscape. This episode underscores the emerging spiritual reconnection between ancient practices and modern faith, aiming to inspire transformation and liberation.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Reverend Lindsey Turner

03:08 Lindsey's Spiritual Journey and Work

05:46 Astrology and Christianity: Bridging the Gap

08:37 The Influence of Saturn in Pisces

13:12 Dream Work and Spiritual Practices

16:39 Trends in Spirituality and Community

21:05 The Role of Astrology and Tarot

24:00 Mythic Stories and Emerging Narratives

37:24 Identity, Purpose, and Belonging

48:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Ryan Hawthorne, a Black, queer Episcopal priest and mom, who explores expansive spiritual practices and the abundance the Divine offers in all facets of life. Ryan discusses their vocational journey within the Christian church, the blending of spiritual modalities such as astrology and tarot, and the ongoing personal and communal work of decolonizing spirituality. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining authenticity within established religious institutions, the importance of small group communities, and the crucial role of internal discernment. Ryan also shares insights on how expansive relationships and spiritual practices can lead to broader collective liberation.

00:00 Introduction to Visions& and Host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca

00:58 Meet Ryan Hawthorne: Black, Queer, Priest, and Mom

01:45 Exploring Spiritual Practices and Community Building

04:55 The Shift in Spiritual Discernment

09:44 Navigating Spiritual Practices and Christian Tradition

16:24 Decolonizing Spiritual Practices

22:53 Tension and Authenticity in Spiritual Vocations

38:42 Future Directions and Personal Reflections

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca interviews Reverend Isaac Martinez, the lead pastor and church planter for a new Episcopal worshiping community in Allston, Massachusetts, centered on queer and trans people of color. Isaac shares his journey from a conservative Pentecostal upbringing to becoming an Episcopalian priest, discusses the challenges and transformations within his community, and explores the deep hunger for spiritual connection and liberation among marginalized groups. The conversation covers topics such as the intersection of spirituality and queerness, the loss of enchantment in modern life, and the importance of building authentic and inclusive spiritual spaces. Note: Apologies for the poor audio quality due to recording during Mercury retrograde.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Reverend Isaac Martinez

02:11 Isaac's Personal Journey

05:04 Building a Queer and Trans Community

06:53 Challenges and Observations

12:12 Spirituality Trends and Community Dynamics

27:15 Navigating Transience and Building Connections

31:34 Embracing Digital and Physical Spaces

37:26 Reflections and Future Directions

45:02 Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca speaks with Marchaé Grair, a storyteller, spiritual director, and facilitator. Known for their work at the intersections of spirituality, pop culture, and collective liberation, Marchaé delves into deep and insightful conversations about their personal journey, spiritual practices, and the evolving role of spirituality in today's society. Topics include the role of spiritual practice in finding freedom, reckoning with institutional failures, decolonizing spirituality, and the importance of community and place in spiritual formation. Marchaé also shares their perspective on polyamory as a spiritual practice and the necessity of slowing down for collective healing and imagination.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Marchaé Grair

01:21 Marchaé's Spiritual Journey

04:09 The Current Spiritual Landscape

07:46 Practices and Community

15:48 Decolonizing Spirituality

32:09 The Role of Land and Space

38:24 Polyamory and Spirituality

43:56 Slowing Down for Transformation

46:29 Looking Ahead: Personal and Professional Horizons

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a compelling conversation with Lydia McDowell, a breathwork and yoga instructor with a background in engineering and science education. Lydia shares her journey from the corporate world to a full-time spiritual practice, emphasizing the integration of left-brain scientific perspectives with right-brain spiritual experiences. The discussion explores themes of trust, relational dynamics in spiritual communities, the holistic nature of breathwork, and the interconnection of various modalities such as astrology and nature-based practices. Lydia offers insightful perspectives on overcoming religious trauma, the importance of individual spirituality without intermediaries, and how breathwork can serve as a gateway to deeper relaxation and self-awareness. This conversation also delves into the broader vision of collective spiritual evolution and Lydia’s personal journey towards facilitating deeper connections through her ongoing work.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Lydia McDowell: From Engineering to Breathwork

02:09 Lydia's Spiritual Journey and Breath Practice

08:38 Challenges in Spiritual Communities

14:09 The Role of Trust in Spiritual Growth

20:09 Breathwork and Its Holistic Benefits

29:08 Integrating Various Spiritual Modalities

40:37 Collective Breath and Connection to Nature

44:42 Future Visions and Personal Reflections

50:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca engages in a profound conversation with Peace Lee, a queer Corean diasporic writer and spiritual companion. They discuss the transformative power of spirituality, the importance of jigsaw puzzles as a form of spiritual practice, and the intricate process of piecing together life's experiences. Peace emphasizes the significance of connecting with one's indigenous practices and divinities, the healing potential of tarot and oracle cards, and the hermit archetype's relevance in contemporary spiritual journeys. The conversation also delves into shifting spiritual landscapes, the impact of sociopolitical events on spiritual awakening, and Peace's personal journey towards reconnecting with her Korean heritage and her grandmother. This episode serves as an inspiring exploration of decolonizing spirituality, embracing death as a pathway to liberation, and the importance of returning to one's roots.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

01:01 Meet Peace Lee: A Journey of Self-Discovery

02:32 Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth

05:32 Trends in Spirituality and Inclusivity

08:02 Exploring Archetypes and Mythic Stories

15:30 Facing Fear and Embracing Change

30:54 Decolonizing Spirituality and Returning to Roots

37:23 The Interplay of Individual and Collective Spiritual Journeys

42:01 Embracing Uncertainty and New Horizons

48:27 A Heartfelt Reunion: Returning to Family

In this stimulating conversation from the Visions& interview series, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca talks with Téo Montoya—a Mythworker, Human Design Analyst, and Indigenous Futurist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Téo shares his multifaceted approach to mythology, human development, and indigenous futurism, emphasizing the integration of complex systems, personal mythology, and ecological literacy. The discussion explores the shift from individualistic self-optimization to a collective embrace of complexity, chaos, and relationality with the more-than-human world. Téo delves into the importance of grief, rage, and elderhood in navigating personal and communal transformation, offering a critique of traditional spiritual structures and envisioning new, inclusive ways of being and knowing.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 Meet Téo Montoya: Mythworker and Indigenous Futurist

01:48 Téo's Background and Work

05:00 The Complexity of Modern Spirituality

10:13 Embracing Trickster Energy and Complexity

13:25 Building Relationships with the More-Than-Human World

19:07 The Multifaceted Self and Archetypes

21:25 The Importance of Elderhood and Adulthood

25:12 Encouragement for Emerging Voices

29:08 Claiming Your Heritage and Knowledge

29:45 Expressing Ideas and Avoiding Fights

32:40 The Importance of Grief and Rage

40:29 Navigating Spiritual Formation and Way Closings

43:43 The Complexity of Christianity and Belonging

50:27 Embracing Mystery and Complexity

54:05 Future Directions and Personal Growth

In the introductory episode of Visions&, host Erendira Jimenez Esquinca introduces the interview series, which focuses on transforming and liberating spirituality through conversations with leaders and practitioners. Erendira, founder of Spirit School, highlights how the series bridges the gap between Self, Spirit, and Story, providing insight into dynamic and shifting spiritual practices. The interviews were recorded over a year and a half ago but have gained relevance due to current socio-political changes. These conversations cover themes of identity, belonging, purpose, and faith while addressing the evolving challenges in spiritual landscapes. Erendira emphasizes the resilience and continuing relevance of the wisdom shared, offering grounding insights during tumultuous times.

00:00 Introduction to Visions&

00:58 The Unfolding Truth

01:42 Timeless Wisdom in Interviews

02:10 Relevance Through Change

02:53 Core Themes and Consistency

03:11 Grounding in Shifting Landscapes

03:57 Invitation to Listen and Reflect

04:14 Conclusion: Visions& Volume One

Visions& is an interview series with practitioners and leaders who are at the edges of transforming and liberating spirituality and spiritual spaces—leading the way into new visions of expanding mythic stories, the practices behind them, and the gathering around them.