703. Constance Casey

 Constance Casey, MDiv, is an author and teacher providing spiritual guidance for those interested in living a gentle and peaceful life. Constance offers guidance for those entering deeper practice into the nature of reality and adjusting to a shift in consciousness. Her awakening occurred in 2008. She has been practicing in the contemplative arts for over 40 years-- first through her years in recovery, and then, as she deepened in Buddhist practice in 2007—which she shares in her memoir. She’s a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader Program. Some of her teachers include Trudy Goodman and Jack Kornfield. Constance obtained a Master of Divinity focusing on religious studies and went on to do hospital chaplaincy work. As an interfaith hospital chaplain, she offered compassionate care for patients and families while embracing the spectrum of human experiences. She is also authorized by Naropa University to teach meditation. Constance’s practice is primarily informed by the suttas in Theravāda Buddhism where she has developed her own online classes, the most recent one is called Clearing Skies: Dispelling the Clouds that Hinder Us, and she leads support groups for dedicated meditation practitioners. Through her experience she respects and values your unique spiritual practice and journey while supporting you to find balance and significance in the face of adversity. Constance will encourage you to attune toward being more mindful and aware for release and serenity. Her first book called Time for Awakening: A Memoir shares her story of awakening and deeper meditation practice and is what brings her to our meeting today. She can be found at her website. On Substack On Instagram On Facebook And on Youtube  Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and Transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 30, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:05:13 - The Levels of Receptiveness to the Dharma 00:09:13 - "Just Who Do You Think You Are?" 00:13:05 - A Snowy Awakening 00:16:54 - Healing and Bonding with My Sons 00:20:17 - Parenting as a Spiritual Practice 00:24:11 - A Fly on the Wall 00:28:09 - Tools of Recovery 00:31:31 - Ethical Structure in Spiritual Circles 00:35:14 - The Vicious Cycle of Repressed Discomfort 00:40:09 - Seeking Further 00:43:44 - Simplifying and Finding Fulfillment Within 00:47:39 - Expressing Experiences Through Art 00:51:17 - Finding Balance in Self-Care 00:54:59 - Honoring the Need for Rest and Balance 00:58:35 - The Power of Meditation and Personal Growth 01:01:38 - Constance's Carpentry Journey 01:04:44 - The Importance of Speaking Out and Trauma (Conversation) 01:07:29 - Seeing the Teacher as a Human Being and the Absence of Hierarchy 01:10:27 - The Indescribable Experience of Awakening 01:14:19 - Following the Way 01:18:32 - Psychological, Theological, Sociological Perspectives 01:22:14 - The Power of Kindness in Movies 01:26:42 - The Intimacy of Stream Entry 01:30:45 - The Support of a Teacher 01:33:33 - The Association for Spiritual Integrity 01:37:43 - Factors of Enlightenment and the Hindrances 01:41:38 - Hindrances in Meditation Practice 01:45:49 - Cultivating Tranquility and Equanimity in Meditation 01:49:05 - The Benefits of Meditation and Inner States of Being 01:51:48 - Closing Remarks