The Tension of Emergence: Thriving in a world that remakes, not breaks

When it comes to climate anxiety, most of us swing between utter despair or self-protective numbness. In our doom-scrolling attention economy, these are natural, but not always helpful, responses.

In this episode, Jennifer speaks with climate scholar, educator, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety Sarah Jaquette Ray to explore how we might move through the heaviest of climate emotions—without turning away, burning out, or ...

In this companion to my conversation with Joshin Byrnes on The Vowing Mind, here's a short practice of seeing those you love—and those you judge—with fresh eyes.

We all carry fixed ideas of who others are: the reliable one, the difficult one, the person we think we've got dialed. In this guided meditation, you’ll be encouraged to loosen those ideas, and to meet others anew, with curiosity and compassion.

This practice will ...

How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer?

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Joshin Byrnes—Zen teacher, former AIDS activist, and founder of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community—for a deeply honest conversation on his evolving expressions of activism and spirituality as he wrestles with and practices ethical action in a time o...

Ever find yourself caught in a loop of analyzing what you're feeling—trying to think your way through the ache, the confusion, the rage, the numbness? Or find that it feels easier to let your mind fix or solve the hard things rather than sense in or move with them? 

In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites you into a somatic experience of feeling—beyond story, solving and fixing. Inspired by her recent conversat...

What if pain isn’t something to fix or escape—but a wise, living presence asking for our attention?

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with writer and therapist Lisa Olivera for a heartfelt conversation about relating to pain as a wise teacher, rather than an adversary. Drawing from Lisa’s personal journey—shaped by early experiences with a culture that teaches us to avoid pain—they explore:

• The social narratives that keep us fr...

Ever feel awkward in trying to express, connect or attune to another? Ever interpret your awkwardness as a failure? 

In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites us to explore mispronunciation not just as a linguistic slip, but as a relational metaphor. Inspired by recent conversations with X'unei Lance Twitchell, you’re invited to notice the moments you "miss the mark" in connection—and to consider what m...

How might a willingness to cross thresholds of understanding help us access wilder and more intimate ways of knowing? 

In this episode Jennifer talks with X’unei Lance Twitchell—Indigenous language teacher, poet and scholar—who shares his deeply personal journey of reclaiming the Tlingit language. From an early longing to connect with his grandfather to challenging the violence of cultural erasure, X’unei invites us into the healing...

What does it mean to be engaged in a world that feels like it’s breaking?

In this preview of Season 4 of Tension of Emergence,  Jennifer England shares the heart of the new season’s inquiry—a living  koan that has been shaping her own writing and leadership: how do we act with love and integrity in a time of rupture and collapse, without rushing to fix or save a world that may not need our saving?

With a  magical cadre of guests, Jen...

Does joy sometimes feel hard to access? Ever find yourself focusing more on where you’re suffering or experiencing pain? Or perhaps you find it easy in this season of your life but want to experience joy even more? 

In the last micro-episode of Season 3, Jennifer guides you to amplify joy on three different levels: the gross, subtle and causal. She encourages you to enhance the experience of joy, even amidst pain and includes a sugg...

We’ve been talking about “feeling more” so we can access more wisdom in our leadership, but what if we’re really good at avoiding pain?  

In the final week of season three of the Tension of Emergence, Jennifer delves into the question of how to work with personal and collective pain with the co-founder of Mobius Executive Leadership and expert in trauma-informed development, Amy Elizabeth Fox. Together they break down the illusory b...

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with modern-day mystic and teacher Cynthia Bourgeault. 

Instead of virtues being a static object we have, they can be thought of as active agents of change. Jennifer offers a two-part practice to help you leverage your unique personal virtues (and power) to transform a current challenge. 

In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal example and emphasizes the importance of pract...

Jennifer talks with modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, author and teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault about how our global breakdown might be a breakthrough. Weaving together science, philosophy and spiritual traditions they talk about the evolution of human consciousness and how to nourish and feed the collective.  

In this episode they share- 

• Our shift to an integral structure of consciousness 
• How reciprocity works between the seen ...

Jennifer offers a practice to dispel the myth that a regulated nervous system equates to calmness and neutrality. 

Drawing on insights from somatic experiencing practitioner Kimberly Ann Johnson, she emphasizes the importance of practicing flexibility in your nervous system to manage life's challenges. 

Jennifer introduces a playful practice of friendly wrestling to help you activate latent energy, track sensation, support an en...

Transformational growth can be aided by mindset shifts but deeper change is initiated and sustained through the body. Jennifer talks with Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner, educator and author Kimberly Ann Johnson about how to develop receptivity and activation so you can practice radical responsibility. 

Together they explore: 

• Why embracing your animalistic nature supports a healthy nervous system
• How to listen to and trust you...

Feeling overwhelmed, brokenhearted, anxious or "can't even" these days? Amidst it all, we often want to "take the edge off" to feel better. But what if our "edges" have wisdom we need to hear. 

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with Madeline Shaw, to help you lean into your 'edginess' and discover what you need most. 

If you play with this practic...

To survive hustle culture, family and career pressures and world affairs we often decompress with social media, our phones or alcohol. In this episode Jennifer talks with social entrepreneur, author and cyclical wisdom devotee Madeleine Shaw about the gift of sobriety in a culture that just wants to take the edge off.  

In this intimate and honest conversation, they explore- 

• The rise of hustle culture and #GirlBoss 
• How drinking ...

Jennifer offers a practice, inspired by her conversation with Amber McZeal. 

How might befriending the experience of shame support our collective liberation? 

Jennifer guides you to explore the unique sensations associated with shame and to get curious about the wisdom it offers. Shame can help you clarify your values and social commitments, especially if you bring a compassionate stance. 

If you play with this and discover ...

Are you feeling the limits of activism- specifically in the way we seem to become more polarized and exhausted?

In this episode Jennifer talks with sacred scholar, vocalist and activist Amber McZeal to unpack  how to move into deeper psychic layers that can yield healing and interconnection. Talking about spiritual activism and ancestral healing they also share—

• Why DEI policies can’t heal the illusion of separation
• The medicine o...

When you’re confronted by overwhelm and crisis, do you turn away from reality to protect your heart? If so, you’re not alone. Jennifer offers a compassionate practice to  help you learn about the denial-acceptance polarity. 

Inspired by her conversation with Latinx educator and author, Vanessa Andreotti Jennifer guides you to track where you deny or accept challenging experiences and explore the upsides and downsides of both.  

If yo...