Seen, Held, and Loved: The Healing Presence of God and Others (Susan Carson)

In this episode, Gem welcomes Susan Carson for a rich conversation at the intersection of contemplative spirituality, trauma healing, neuroscience, and the Christian mystical tradition.

Drawing from the wisdom of Julian of Norwich and insights from interpersonal neurobiology, Susan explores how healing often happens not through striving, fixing, or formulas, but through safe connection, compassionate presence, and co-suffering love.

Together they discuss what trauma really is, why the past can continue to shape our present experience, and how healing invites us back toward our true selves. Susan also explains concepts like co-regulation, the nervous system's need for safety, and why being deeply seen and lovingly witnessed can be profoundly restorative.

Along the way, they explore contemplative practices of beholding, the self-emptying love of Christ, and what it means to create "noise-free, shame-free, formula-free" spaces where healing can flourish.

If you've ever felt exhausted by quick fixes, discouraged by spiritual formulas, or longed for a deeper experience of God's presence in your healing journey, this conversation offers a hopeful and grace-filled vision of wholeness.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What trauma is and how it shapes our experience of life
• Why safety is essential for healing and transformation
• The role of co-regulation in emotional and spiritual health
• What Julian of Norwich teaches us about God's presence
• Why beholding is central to contemplative healing
• How neuroscience and spiritual formation complement one another
• What it means to create noise-free, shame-free, formula-free space for others

Guest: Susan Carson is the Founder and Executive Director of Roots & Branches, spiritual director, speaker, and author of A Kenotic Way of Contemplative Healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• A Kenotic Way of Contemplative Healing by Susan Carson
• Julian of Norwich
• Stephen Porges
• Bonnie Badenoch

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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

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