EP 537 How to Stay Grounded in a World That Feels Out of Control w/ David Swanson

·36 min·3 clips

David shares how showing up at protests in Chicago actually leaves him feeling more encouraged and empowered.

In this episode of Celeste the Therapist, host Celeste Viciere interviews pastor David Swanson from Chicago. David begins by describing the local impact of federal immigration deportation efforts in Chicago, which created a sense of fear and siege in his community. He discusses the courage found in participating in protests and community solidarity, noting that such actions can empower rather than deplete. The conversation shifts to the role of churches in denouncing the syncretism between violent nationalism and Christianity, with David arguing that silence is a dereliction of duty. Celeste and David then delve into strategies for avoiding burnout, with David sharing a personal anecdote about recognizing bodily stress from watching protest videos and learning to set boundaries. They explore the importance of listening to one's body, using tools like a feelings wheel, and practicing Sabbath rest. David connects these practices to theological concepts, such as resisting imperial logic and finding hope in Jesus Christ. The episode also touches on David's book, 'Redisciplining the White Church,' which focuses on emotional discipleship for racial justice. Throughout, they emphasize mindfulness, emotional grounding, and the balance between activism and self-care, concluding with practical advice for listeners to slow down and find clarity in chaotic times.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about limits, body signals, and naming emotions before urgency hardens into burnout.

Celeste frames her conversation with David Swanson around a familiar but often hard-to-catch pattern: the body staying on alert before the feeling underneath has been named.

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Why you'd press play

You want to stay present in a chaotic world without keeping your body on alert every minute.

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