Contemplify Podcast Summary
Episode: Contemplative Parenting with Aizaiah G. Yong and Nereyda Yong
Host: Paul Swanson
Guests: Rev. Dr. Isaiah G. Yong & Rev. Nereyda (Nettie) Yong
Date: September 20, 2025
Overview
This episode of Contemplify explores the intersections of contemplative spirituality and parenting with guests Rev. Dr. Isaiah G. Yong and Rev. Nereyda (Nettie) Yong. As authors of Sacred Parenthood: Spiritual Practices for the Highs and Lows of Parenting, they share insights on how raising children can be a sacred, spiritually formative vocation, particularly in multicultural families. The conversation delves into the guests’ personal backgrounds, their approach to contemplative parenting, key themes from their book, and practical applications, including nighttime rituals and co-authoring as a couple.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Defining “Contemplative” (03:07–07:09)
Isaiah’s Take:
- Did not grow up with the term, but encountered it during doctoral studies:
“The contemplative life is really about a certain intentionality in relationship to the whole world that we might live from and for what matters most.” (04:08, Isaiah)
- Identifies as a “contempla-costal Christian,” merging contemplative and Pentecostal traditions—integrating inward depth with ecstatic experience.
Nettie’s Take:
- Contemplation is profoundly embodied:
“It was like a breath of fresh air to know that within my very body I could tune in and hear God and feel God and trust God was with me in the mundane of the day to day life.” (06:00, Nettie)
- The contemplative path is a strong foundation, especially for caregiving mothers navigating chaos and constant change.
2. Spiritual Formation Influences (07:09–14:22)
Nettie:
- Bible is core: formative in Mexican American, communal, immigrant family context.
- Early adulthood: Influenced by Christian mystics/contemplatives (Cynthia Bourgeault, Barbara Holmes, James Finley, Richard Rohr).
“God whispered to me, do not put me in a box.” (09:35, Nettie)
- Also cites Transforming by Austin Hartkey for co-creating with God from marginalized perspectives.
Isaiah:
- Experience-based formation:
- Raimon Panikkar’s cosmotheandric vision—unity of cosmic, divine, and human.
- Bishop Yvette Flunder’s radically inclusive spirituality (Where the Edge Gathers).
- Jim Finley’s teachings during Isaiah’s recovery from a near-death experience:
“To have someone who had walked through some of those pieces ... I could feel like I wasn’t alone.” (13:40, Isaiah)
3. The Genesis & Intention of Sacred Parenthood (16:17–22:12)
- Book arises from lived experience in an intercultural family; informed by backgrounds (Isaiah: Chinese Malaysian + Mexican American; Nettie: Mexican American extended family).
- Purposefully bridges contemplative Christianity and communities of the global majority—addressing gaps in typical, monocultural contemplative literature.
“Love is what really opens us up to ... working in new ways with each other, but also with our children.” (17:18, Isaiah)
- Writing was itself a contemplative spiritual practice for the couple.
4. Communal and Nondual Aspects of Parenting (19:37–22:12)
- Contemplative practices foster awareness of interconnection within family, countering the myth of individualism.
- Parenting under crisis (e.g., COVID-19) forced deeper reflection on the communal aspects of caregiving and its societal implications:
“There is both an individual and communal aspect to that reality. And contemplative practices helped open me up to a non-dual perspective where we can see the both/and.” (20:42, Nettie)
5. The SACRED Acronym: A Framework for Contemplative Parenting (24:20–29:26)
S – Settle:
- Practice stillness, pause, settle into presence and body.
A – Acknowledge:
- Notice thoughts, emotions, sensations—without judgment.
C – Curiosity:
- Rooted in compassion; curiosity toward needs of self and others.
R – Restore:
- Discern ways to repair ruptures in relationship, making things right.
E – Enjoy:
- Savor and appreciate beauty and goodness, even amid difficulty.
D – Dance:
- Co-create with spirit, ushering in new possibilities in family life.
“Sacred became an acronym for how we can do different kinds of contemplative practices ... Each letter has a guided practice and in the book that you can do on your own or with others.” (27:17, Nettie)
“Each of the letters ... could be kind of micro contemplative practices ... It’s not meant to be a linear process.” (28:10, Isaiah)
6. Practical Applications: Nighttime Rituals (31:05–37:46)
- Bedtime as thin, sacred space: full presence, adaptability, and non-coercive routines encourage children’s sharing and spiritual intimacy.
- Acknowledges children’s need to process feelings at bedtime; presence and gentle questioning override rigid scripts.
“We see those as beautiful opportunities again to be completely present and help them deepen their wonder of God ... It’s more like, we’re here with you with these questions.” (32:55, Nettie)
- Practices include affirmations, prayers (including a sung Spanish prayer from Nettie’s childhood), and rituals that become anchors.
7. On Writing Sacred Parenthood as a Couple (38:41–42:43)
Isaiah:
- Gained deeper appreciation for Nettie’s intention, ability to reflect, and self-care in parenting.
- Writing together prompted rich dialogues and mutual growth.
“It became a great reason to talk about that and a great way to discern how ... she’s approaching it, how I can support her in her own journey.” (39:31, Isaiah)
Nettie:
- Learned from Isaiah’s writing flow and compassion.
- Co-writing expanded her own voice and revealed Isaiah’s ability to hold space during difficult topics.
“These conversations are not easy ... And this writing process brought up hard times and gave me a chance to see Isaiah’s ability to extend care and compassion to me, which then helps me be more able to extend care and compassion back to him.” (41:43, Nettie)
8. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I identify as a contempla-costal Christian … to live an empowered life.” (04:48, Isaiah)
- “Contemplative experience ... it’s being held in just the peace of God because life is chaotic.” (06:39, Nettie)
- “Do not put me in a box.” (09:35, Nettie’s spiritual insight)
- On parenthood: “That’s like a real intense path of transformation.” (28:36, Isaiah)
- “Nighttime rituals are profound … how our children feel as they fall asleep at night.” (31:11, Nettie)
- “Our rest can be a support for the world, too.” (35:34, Isaiah)
- “A good smoothie would do that ... nourishing, they're renewing ... it feels like a good smoothie would do that [for a drink pairing].” (43:31, Isaiah)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Defining Contemplative: 03:07–07:09
- Formative Influences: 08:10–14:22
- Book Origin & Intention: 16:17–22:12
- The SACRED Framework: 24:20–29:26
- Bedtime Rituals: 31:05–37:46
- On Co-authoring: 38:41–42:43
Tone & Takeaways
The conversation is heartfelt, grounded, and inclusive, with both guests modeling authenticity, humility, and deep attentiveness to both inner movements and lived family dynamics. The episode offers an accessible entry into contemplative parenting, highlighting multicultural realities and the vital role of communal spiritual practice in daily family life. The SACRED acronym provides a memorable, practical structure for listeners seeking to integrate contemplation and connection into their homes.
Recommended for: Contemplatives, parents/caregivers, educators, and anyone interested in spiritual growth through everyday relationships.