To Be a Mystic

Episode 6: Tree hugging, Seminary and the Socially Anxious

January 6, 2026·11 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What happens when your "star word" contradicts your fear?In this special Epiphany episode, I’m sharing a story I’ve never told in detail: my first year of seminary, hiding in my car during lunch breaks, and the moment a yellow paper star changed the trajectory of my life.We talk about:​ The "J-Term" struggle: Surviving seminary when you feel like an outsider.​ The Connection: Why none of us are "qualified" to lead alone.​ Tenderness: Reflections on my very first star word from 2019.https://open.substack.com/pub/thegroundedsoul/p/tree-hugging-seminary-and-the-socially?r=17n5on&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueVisit the link above to see the original 2019 worksheet mentioned in this episode and to join our community of clergy and seekers.About the Host:Marcella Ciccotelli is an Eco-Chaplain and Clergy member currently exploring the intersections of grief, nature, and spiritual rest.#StarWords #Epiphany #ClergyWellness #UMC #VulnerableLeadership

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