Today on the podcast, I welcome author Sarah Westfall, a writer, perpetual question-asker, and contemplative at heart. Her work explores communal life, the intersection of faith, belonging, and, as she says, “being a human person.”
Sarah and I talk about belonging, creativity, and the courage it takes to show up as your true self. Sarah shares her journey of moving from the broad, often noisy online space into the "smaller circles" of deep, local community.
We discuss what it means to practice "soulful attention," how writing functions as a conversation with God, and why our imperfections and wounds are actually the source of our most powerful creative offerings.
Sarah shares how a Georgia O’Keeffe painting has become a spiritual gateway, helping her navigate the wild, unknown deserts of her own vocational calling.
I hope this conversation is an invitation to pause, pay attention, and trust your authentically human voice.
Resources & Links:
Sarah’s Website: Sarah E. Westfall
Sarah’s Book: The Way of Belonging
Previous Conversation: Listen to our past episode, 178, Joy for the Long Haul
Art Mentioned: Rust Red Hills by Georgia O'Keeffe
Book Recommendation: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner
Music Mentioned: Jon Batiste and Jess Ray (Album: Born Again; Song: "Place to Land")
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I'd love to hear about the works of art that have become thin places in your own life. In fact, we are doing a call for guest-post submissions over on Substack. You can learn more and submit yours by visiting: https://artistsforjoy.org/artsopendoor