Watchful Eating: Recent Episodes
Fr. David Smith and Ancient Faith Radio
A Year of Spiritual Eating with St. Hesychios - Watchful Eating takes the listener on a daily journey toward having a reasonable, spiritual relationship with food, using the writing of a father from the Philokalia, St. Hesychios.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we have belongs to God . . . including our free time.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the onslaught of thoughts the demons launch at us and how only a disciplined intellect will prevail.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how easily we are led astray and how simple provocations become sin when embodied.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons which attack us have been tempting us since Adam; yet, the experience we gain from the Jesus prayer and Holy Orthodoxy help us to win the battle.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, for our hearts to be gladdened and softened, we must spend consistent time with Jesus Christ and His Holy Name.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how precious the statutes of God are and how we know when we’re keeping them.
In this episode, Fr. David continues yesterday’s theme of Jesus as our helper and king.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of calling out for Jesus to help us every time we sit down to eat.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the positive side of humiliation and the need to avoid despair.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual nature of our battle against physical desires.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the reality of “battle fatigue” and the need to remember God’s love for us.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how reliance on our rational thinking can derail our entire watchful eating journey.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses four connected virtues needed to keep both heart and body undefiled.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to subject the body to the rule of the soul.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how something as simple as talking too much can lead to other sins.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how eliminating our self-will through obedience to the Church aids us in our journey.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what is required of us if we deeply desire to learn watchfulness.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how both good and bad days of watchful eating are to be given to God.
In this episode, Fr. David reminds us that watchful eating is meaningless if our focus is only on earthly benefits.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of patience, stillness and perseverance.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what happens when we put our trust in ourselves rather than God.
In this episode, Fr. David warns us that our attitude, when it comes to “good days” of watchful eating, can become an idol.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and our need to recognize our weakness.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons want us to think they’ve been beaten . . . only to trick us again.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses that when we look into our hearts, we see not only ourselves, but also the demons.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual perception and self-preservation against the demons.
In this episode, Fr. David draws on the Holy Scriptures to discuss having a good defense at all times.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must invest in our defenses against our enemies.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the practice of emptying ourselves to be filled with Christ.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to scrutinize every mental image and thought.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness addresses multiple aspects of life, but we must be patient and defeat one foe at a time.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our evil thoughts fill the space between our intention and our action.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the depths within us if we center our lives on the Jesus prayer.
In this episode, Fr. David reminds that if we are to truly embrace the “watchful eating” journey, we must be consistent in the basics.
Today Fr. David speaks about how repentance is the true key to our watchful eating journey.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between Christian watchfulness and secular mindfulness
Today Fr. David speaks about how cultivating the virtue of watchfulness will help us in entering eternity.
Today Fr. David speaks about the blessing and the temptations of having unbridled access to food.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses “provocations” and the role they play in our development of watchfulness.
Fr. David begins a new (and re-written) year of the Watchful Eating journey. Join him as he once again defines the concept of "Watchful Eating".
One year later, we have come to the end of our Watchful Eating journey. Join Fr. David Smith as he reflects on the last year, and looks ahead to the next one.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the advantages of "setting aside" certain foods instead of giving them up for good.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between perfection and persistence.
In this episode. Fr. David discusses the resources we have on our journey - and the importance of their continued use.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the benefits of the Jesus Prayer on our Watchful Eating journey.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses applying our readings to our daily lives and practicing spiritual mastery.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how vigilance is necessary to lead a christian life
In this episode, Fr. David speaks on making your Watchful Eating journey more personal.
In this episode, Fr. David reflects on our departure from this life. What will we leave behind, and how will we be judged?
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the benefits of a monastic approach to watchfulness.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses choices - and how God reaches us through all of them.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what awaits those of us who are able to empty our heart of images & thoughts
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the remembrance of death shows us that nothing else matters
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the watchful eating journey, and the spiritual life as a whole, involves a cooperation with God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses demonic forms and how, when we entertain them, we become judgmental
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between these two powers in our lives
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the human tendency to return to the sin we have already left behind
in this episode, Fr. David discusses how our thoughts can run ignorantly after demonic fantasies.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the steps we go through, from an evil thought to a sinful action, and how to drive them from our hearts.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the raising of Lazarus and how we must reject any instability in our soul
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the great bully we’ve referenced all week is the sin that lives within us
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the Jesus Prayer can eliminate even the thoughts we didn’t intend to hold on to
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need for confession to be rid of the things that block us from holy thinking
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the virtue of pouring out our hearts in confession to God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must never return to where we were at the beginning of the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the use of the Scriptures & the writings of the fathers to guide us on our long, arduous journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we need has been established in the Church. We only need to become quiet enough to hear what the Church is teaching.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses denying the intellect in order to contemplate God alone
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, after 32 weeks of watchful eating, it’s easy to get back on track when we have a bad day or two
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how God will defeat our enemies and give us the tools necessary to succeed on our journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses aspiration and the need to keep our goals at the forefront of our lives
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to use the three aspects of the soul to the glory of God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must not let up after making progress on the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what our life - and afterlife - would look like without Christ
In this episode, Fr. David discusses monitoring our thoughts and actions each hour of the day
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the fear of hell and the tension between body and soul
In this episode, Fr. David discusses preparing for the watchful eating journey by purifying the heart
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the lies the demons tell us have everything to do with who is God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we behave like Judas when we believe the lies of the demons
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what progress on the watchful eating journey looks like
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the progress we’ve made the distance we’re yet to travel
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between watchfulness and attentiveness
In this this episode, Fr. David reminds us that we are continually assailed by demons, despite our asceticism
In this episode, Fr. David discusses all of the benefits that come from watchfulness and the reading of Scripture; however, reading alone benefits little if we do it without understanding
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the function of the Old and New Testaments as icons
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the role of watchfulness in combating the imagination
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how spiritual living is impossible without watchfulness
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of praying the Jesus Prayer out loud
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the proper focus of the mind will allow God to illumine our intellect
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how forgetfulness will completely derail our journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the Holy Eucharist helps us in our watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how mastering inward spiritual warfare is impossible without humility
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the balance that comes from combining watchfulness with the Jesus Prayer
In this episode, Fr. David discusses again how we desperately need a disposition of gratitude
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the meditation on our death as if it were to happen right now
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the contemplation of whatever is full of delight, spiritual and close to God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the process of listening to God, eating good things and having a soul that delights
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the role of thanksgiving and praise in the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the necessity of faith when it comes to prayer and watchfulness
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must purge our hearts to prepare them for illumination
In this episode, Fr. David discusses two examples of eating & drinking in the Scriptures which are very different from one another.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the strategy of eliminating thoughts before they become actions
In this episode, Fr. David discusses aspects of the spiritual life that season and preserve our inner selves
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must want to want to follow God if we ever hope to actually do it
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our trials are permitted by God to help us in the ascetic life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses a passage of Scripture that sums up the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the scriptural concept of being a voluntary slave to Christ
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how sin slowly wounds our heart and dissolves our intention to watchfulness
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how guarding the intellect establishes a watch tower over our spiritual life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the deceptions of the demons when it comes to the quelling of the passions
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the proper role of asceticism in the spiritual life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the voice that calls us to the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the deep, hidden passions in our souls can only be revealed when their cause is identified
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we all are weak and fall short, yet this is not our final end!
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between external and internal change
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the dangers of ignorance in the spiritual journey and the opposite extremes that come with it
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what it means to love God and how all of us need to, and can, grow in our love for God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must always focus on the interior life first
In this episode, Fr. David discusses two virtues that form the base of the watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how self-control is the beginning of the ascetic life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual practice of reviewing each day in our conscience
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between faithful and faithless servants
In this episode, Fr. David discusses ways we can examine ourselves in order to cultivate humility
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how constant invocation of the name of Jesus is a better means of success than self-resolution
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the Orthodox ascetic life of prayer and how it leads to our complete transformation
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how mere intellectual belief is not enough if we do not act upon it
In this episode, Fr. David discusses that the Church is the only place where we can escape the evils that have power over us
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what comes naturally to us and what does not; namely, the spiritual disciplines
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the parable of the wise and foolish virgins and how we must know the Bridegroom before He comes in the night
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how misfortunes can help us build character if we allow it
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of not only guarding our minds but also patiently enduring the trials that come if we fail to do so
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness frees not only our intellect but our 5 senses also
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of meditating on all of the blessings God has given us
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to zealously cultivate watchfulness by reviewing our sins and our former life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses another spiritual exercise to help us on our watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the ongoing journey of watchfulness and how we never fully arrive in this life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses senseless and sensible thoughts and how they must be put to death and put away as soon as they enter our spiritual heart
In this episode, Fr. David discusses a spiritual exercise for discerning the good and evil imprinted on our hearts
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must prepare for battle in the first moments of each day
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the devil traps us by means of thoughts and fantasies
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we have belongs to God . . . including our free time
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the onslaught of thoughts the demons launch at us and how only a disciplined intellect will prevail.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how easily we are led astray and how simple provocations become sin when embodied.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons which attack us have been tempting us since Adam; yet, the experience we gain from the Jesus prayer and Holy Orthodoxy help us to win the battle.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, for our hearts to be gladdened and softened, we must spend consistent time with Jesus Christ and His Holy Name.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how precious the statutes of God are and how we know when we’re keeping them.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of calling out for Jesus to help us every time we sit down to eat.
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the positive side of humiliation and the need to avoid despair
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual nature of our battle against physical desires
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how reliance on our rational thinking can derail our entire watchful eating journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the reality of “battle fatigue” and the need to remember God’s love for us
In this episode, Fr. David discusses four connected virtues needed to keep both heart and body undefiled
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to subject the body to the rule of the soul
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how something as simple as talking too much can lead to other sins
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how eliminating our self-will through obedience to the Church aids us in our journey
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what is required of us if we deeply desire to learn watchfulness
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how both good and bad days of watchful eating are to be given to God
In this episode, Fr. David reminds us that watchful eating is meaningless if our focus is only on earthly benefits
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of patience, stillness and perseverance
In this episode, Fr. David discusses what happens when we put our trust in ourselves rather than God
In this episode, Fr. David warns us that our attitude, when it comes to “good days” of watchful eating, can become an idol
In this episode, Fr. David discusses St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and our need to recognize our weakness
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons want us to think they’ve been beaten . . . only to trick us again
In this episode, Fr. David discusses that when we look into our hearts, we see not only ourselves, but also the demons
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual perception and self-preservation against the demons
In this episode, Fr. David draws on the Holy Scriptures to discuss having a good defense at all times
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must invest in our defenses against our enemies
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the practice of emptying ourselves to be filled with Christ
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to scrutinize every mental image and thought
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness addresses multiple aspects of life, but we must be patient and defeat one foe at a time
In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our evil thoughts fill the space between our intention and our action
In this episode, Fr. David discusses the depths within us if we center our lives on the Jesus prayer
In this episode, Fr. David reminds that if we are to truly embrace the “watchful eating” journey, we must be consistent in the basics
Today Fr. David speaks about how repentance is the true key to our watchful eating journey
Today Fr. David speaks about the difference between Christian watchfulness and secular mindfulness
Today Fr. David speaks about how cultivating the virtue of watchfulness will help us in entering eternity
Today Fr. David speaks about the blessing and the temptations of having unbridled access to food.
Today Fr. David speaks about “provocations” and the role they play in our development of watchfulness.
Fr. David introduces listeners to his podcast, as well as to St. Hesychios, and explains what he means by “watchful eating.”