John takes us through what happened naturally as he grew out of each stage of life into another. Producer: Phil Shankland, InSight New Media Productions Ltd https://insightnewmedia.co.uk Date: 23 January 2025 Video Copyright: Spiritual Unfoldment Trust 2025 Title design: Wendy Mayes Design https://www.wendymayes.co.uk You can watch new conversations with John and Phil in church in the 'To Make Whole Be Whole' section here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOi0TFuqj6eND-mJRf8i2Tnw - Beyond belief? (40:15) - The great calling (38:33) - Lighten our darkness (36:22) - Lost in thought (35:09) John's Butler's first audiobook 'Mystic Approaches' is now available on Audible - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Mystic-Approaches-Audiobook/B0DQ64PF5P John's latest book 'Mystic Love' is now available here - https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/store/Mystic-Love-%E2%80%93-letters-to-Christine-p674982505 You can watch 80+ ad-free videos with John in the "Feet on the Ground' supporters section. Join here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0TFuqj6eND-mJRf8i2Tnw/join. Those wanting more detailed accounts of John's life experience - the formative influences, which have taught and made him what he is, will find it in his 9 published books, available through the website: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/store/. Did you know you can now listen to John on Spotify and other audio platforms? Here is his most popular recording 'Common sense guide to meditation' (1m views) - https://ffm.to/commonsenseguidetomeditation. FREE 86pp PDF 'Introducing Spiritual Unfoldment' With tempting extracts describing his life-long spiritual journey - in the hope they will encourage readers to go further, buy his books and read the whole story for themselves, we invite you to join John Butler's email community and receive a free 86-page PDF 'Introducing Spiritual Unfoldment'. Go to http://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of any page. Those who wish to support the Work of the Spiritual Unfoldment Trust can donate here - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BBAWMHB4JQMKY Find out more about the the Spiritual Unfoldment Trust: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/charitable-trust/ Disclaimer: https://spiritualunfoldment.co.uk/disclaimer Topics: Being Present Amidst Global Chaos The conversation opens with reflections on world events and the importance of staying grounded in presence despite geopolitical upheaval. The Way of the Householder vs. Monkhood John reflects on his spiritual training, the tension between the desire for retreat and the reality of spiritual practice in everyday life. The Unchanging Presence and Personal Practice Stillness, listening, and simplicity are emphasised as doorways to a peace beyond the fluctuations of the world. From Duality to Unity: Compassion and Completion They discuss the transformation from judgment and opposition into unity and compassion through spiritual maturation and realization. Humility, Divine Love, and Letting Go of Pride John shares intimate reflections on suffering, humility, and the deeper understanding of God's love as the unifying source of all experience. Keywords: Presence Humility Duality God’s Love Householder Chapter Headings: (00:05) Grounded in a Mad World A discussion begins on the state of the world, breakfast rituals, and the relevance of spiritual practice amid current events. (01:37) Monk or Householder? A Spiritual Choice John recounts his disappointment at not being called to monastic life, and how he embraced spiritual life within the ordinary world. (03:32) The Still, Unchanging Presence Both reflect on their daily meditative practice and the silent, ever-present awareness beneath worldly noise and personal challenges. (07:49) From Separation to Unity through Love They explore how realisation softens dualities, expressing how God's love permeates and holds even the chaos of life and global conflict. (20:40) God Knows: Surrender, Humility, and the End of Self John speaks on letting go of ego, embracing divine authority, and how humility—not self-esteem—becomes the foundation of peace.