“Mysticism is about meeting life as it is. It’s about leaning into discomfort, leaning into obstacles, leaning into challenges and saying, there’s a reason why they’re here.”
-Robin Alfred
What does it mean to live a mystical life? Not on a mountaintop or in a monastery, but in the midst of work deadlines, childcare chaos, and the messiness of everyday life? Once again we welcome back Robin Alfred, a dear friend, coach and mentor who shares how we might apply the wisdom and presence of the mystics in to our families, communities, and ourselves.
Robin Alfred is a leadership coach, facilitator, and teacher of contemporary embodied mysticism. Drawing on decades of work with leaders, teams, and communities worldwide, he helps people integrate deep spiritual insight with grounded, practical action.
In this conversation, Robin offers practical, soul-centered guidance on what “applied mysticism” means and how to practice it in daily life; accepting friction, challenge and discomfort as invitations to deeper presence; and finding the courage to leap and trust that the bridge will appear.
"The Guest House" by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Show Notes:
* Emergent Leadership: A Training in Applied Mysticism — September 2, 2025 to April 9, 2026
Connect with Andy:
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjcahill/
* Instagram: https://instagram.com/wonderdomepodcast
What is your fiercest hope for humanity?
