The Mind Bod Adventure Pod

The Great Search for the Sacred | John Philip Newell & Cami Twilling

Jan 20, 2026
Cami Twilling, retreat leader who blends contemplative practice and Earth-rooted ritual. John Philip Newell, wandering Celtic teacher and author exploring soul yearnings and the sacredness of land. They talk about reconnecting to the sacred outside institutions. They explore Celtic-inspired practices, simple rituals like a ritual of light, pilgrimage to Iona, and the daily rhythms that sustain longing.
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INSIGHT

Desire Reveals The Soul's Yearnings

  • John Philip Newell frames modern spiritual leaving as a search for yearnings unmet by inherited religion.
  • Simone Weil's "efficacy of desire" means naming yearnings helps bring them into being and service.
ANECDOTE

Giving Back My Ordination

  • John Philip describes relinquishing his church ordination because he couldn't reconcile empire-aligned doctrines with earth-centered sacredness.
  • That personal choice models being honest about spiritual integrity even when it breaks institutional ties.
INSIGHT

Wilderness And Temple Need Each Other

  • John Philip highlights a creative tension between wilderness (prophetic) and temple (priestly) traditions.
  • He insists both need each other and the prophetic voice must keep speaking with love for those within institutions.
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