In this episode, we’re tackling the problem of restless dissatisfaction and how the pursuit of contentment can offer a way forward. For many of us, there’s an underlying sense that something in life—who we are, what we have, or where we’re headed—should be different. The constant pull of “what if” and “if only” can leave us feeling ungrounded and yearning for a sense of fulfillment that always seems just out of reach. As I looked back on my journal entries this year, I noticed contentment as a recurring theme in my conversations with God and with my spiritual director, reminding me of the peace and satisfaction that comes with learning to be present in the here and now.

Drawing from my own journey and insights from Brian Zahnd’s The Wood Between the Worlds, I’ll share practical reflections on how shifting our mindset toward contentment can bring new clarity and peace. This isn’t just about settling—it’s about recognizing how an inner posture of contentment can transform our experience, even when circumstances remain the same. Whether you’re a “Frustrated Idealist” in the Enneagram triad (Types One, Four, and Seven) or simply someone who finds themselves often seeking more, join me as we explore the ways contentment can anchor us in purpose, grace, and genuine satisfaction.



Links:
The Wood Between the Worlds by Brian Zahnd
The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile
The Benefits of Looking Back podcast episode



_______________________________________________________

Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us

In this episode, we’re tackling the problem of restless dissatisfaction and how the pursuit of contentment can offer a way forward. For many of us, there’s an underlying sense that something in life—who we are, what we have, or where we’re headed—should be different. The constant pull of “what if” and “if only” can leave us feeling ungrounded and yearning for a sense of fulfillment that always seems just out of reach. As I looked back on my journal entries this year, I noticed contentment as a recurring theme in my conversations with God and with my spiritual director, reminding me of the peace and satisfaction that comes with learning to be present in the here and now.
Drawing from my own journey and insights from Brian Zahnd’s The Wood Between the Worlds, I’ll share practical reflections on how shifting our mindset toward contentment can bring new clarity and peace. This isn’t just about settling—it’s about recognizing how an inner posture of contentment can transform our experience, even when circumstances remain the same. Whether you’re a “Frustrated Idealist” in the Enneagram triad (Types One, Four, and Seven) or simply someone who finds themselves often seeking more, join me as we explore the ways contentment can anchor us in purpose, grace, and genuine satisfaction.
 
Links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wood-Between-Worlds-Poetic-Theology/dp/151400562X">The Wood Between the Worlds</a> by Brian Zahnd</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Toward-Wholeness-Enneagram-Transformation/dp/1514001160">The Journey Toward Wholeness</a> by Suzanne Stabile</li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/unhurried-living/discernment-the-benefits-of-looking-back">The Benefits of Looking Back</a> podcast episode</li>
</ul>
 
_______________________________________________________
Connect with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gemfadling/">Gem on Instagram</a> and learn more on the <a href="https://dashboard.simplecast.com/accounts/c807b8df-15a1-423a-8649-9db69f7aa374/shows/2a294677-14cc-4597-8409-8efcedfed2cd/episodes/1ff79710-f260-475a-8a39-22315b98892e/www.unhurriedliving.com/gem">Unhurried Living website</a> and her new book, <a href="https://dashboard.simplecast.com/accounts/c807b8df-15a1-423a-8649-9db69f7aa374/shows/2a294677-14cc-4597-8409-8efcedfed2cd/episodes/c6bd1beb-251f-42f0-92ea-21c6790a5380/www.unhurriedliving.com/holdthatthought">Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads</a>
Learn about <a href="https://www.unhurriedliving.com/pace">PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care</a>
Discover more Christian podcasts at <a href="http://www.lifeaudio.com">lifeaudio.com</a> and inquire about advertising opportunities at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/contact-us">lifeaudio.com/contact-us</a>

Many of us feel hurried, and hurry is costing us more than we realize. The Unhurried Living Podcast with Alan and Gem Fadling provides resources and training to help Christian leaders learn to live and lead from fullness rather than on empty. Great influence begins on the inside, in your soul. Learning healthy patterns of rest and work can transform your life—your daily influence. Built on more than twenty-five years of experience at the intersection of spiritual formation and leadership development, Unhurried Living seeks to inspire people around the world to rest deeper so they can live fuller and lead better.

If this podcast helps you be an unhurried leader, be sure to check out our website https://www.unhurriedliving.com/, where we have books, resources, and featured membership communities so you can learn with fellow leaders how to lead from abundance instead of lack.

Many of us feel hurried, and hurry is costing us more than we realize. The Unhurried Living Podcast with Alan and Gem Fadling provides resources and training to help Christian leaders learn to live and lead from fullness rather than on empty. Great influence begins on the inside, in your soul. Learning healthy patterns of rest and work can transform your life—your daily influence. Built on more than twenty-five years of experience at the intersection of spiritual formation and leadership development, Unhurried Living seeks to inspire people around the world to rest deeper so they can live fuller and lead better.
If this podcast helps you be an unhurried leader, be sure to check out our website <a href="https://www.unhurriedliving.com/">https://www.unhurriedliving.com/</a>, where we have books, resources, and featured membership communities so you can learn with fellow leaders how to lead from abundance instead of lack.

Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

Many of us feel hurried, and hurry is costing us more than we realize. The Unhurried Living Podcast with Alan and Gem Fadling provides resources and training to help Christian leaders learn to live and lead from fullness rather than on empty. Great influence begins on the inside, in your soul. Learning healthy patterns of rest and work can transform your life—your daily influence as well as your leadership. Built on more than twenty-five years of experience at the intersection of spiritual formation and leadership development, Unhurried Living seeks to inspire people around the world to rest deeper so they can live fuller and lead better.

If this podcast helps you be an unhurried leader, be sure to check out our website https://www.unhurriedliving.com/, where we have books, resources, and featured membership communities so you can learn with fellow Christian leaders how to lead from abundance instead of lack.

Many of us feel hurried, and hurry is costing us more than we realize. The Unhurried Living Podcast with Alan and Gem Fadling provides resources and training to help Christian leaders learn to live and lead from fullness rather than on empty. Great influence begins on the inside, in your soul. Learning healthy patterns of rest and work can transform your life—your daily influence as well as your leadership. Built on more than twenty-five years of experience at the intersection of spiritual formation and leadership development, Unhurried Living seeks to inspire people around the world to rest deeper so they can live fuller and lead better.
If this podcast helps you be an unhurried leader, be sure to check out our website <a href="https://www.unhurriedliving.com/">https://www.unhurriedliving.com/</a>, where we have books, resources, and featured membership communities so you can learn with fellow Christian leaders how to lead from abundance instead of lack.

Advertisement