About Our Guest:

Question: What happens when decades of clinical psychology expertise meets the timeless wisdom of Zen Buddhism? Answer: You get Flint Sparks—a guide for those of us navigating the messy, beautiful, and often bewildering terrain of being human. 

Flint Sparks isn’t your average therapist; A licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience, he has helped countless individuals understand their minds and emotions—but witnessing the pain of patients and family members grappling with illness and death led him on a quest, seeking spiritual practices to deepen his psychological work, and found his answers in Zen Buddhism.

Today, Flint is an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, blending psychotherapy and Zen practice to guide people on what he calls “the ongoing practices of growing up and waking up.”

Growing Up: The Practice of Emotional Maturity

Flint talks about “growing up” as the work of becoming emotionally mature. This is the messy part of life—navigating our relationships, understanding our triggers, and learning to respond to challenges with grace, rather than reactivity. It’s about facing ourselves honestly—and let’s be real, that’s no small task.

What struck me most in this conversation was Flint’s emphasis on the importance of curiosity and self-compassion in this process. So often, we approach personal growth like it’s a chore, or something we need to “fix” about ourselves; but Flint reminds us that growing up is a lifelong journey, not a destination. He invites us to stay curious about our patterns and gentle with our imperfections.

“Emotional maturity isn’t about having it all together,” Flint said during our chat. “It’s about showing up for life, no matter how messy or uncomfortable it gets, and being kind to yourself in the process.” Isn’t that a relief? Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is.

Waking Up: The Spiritual Journey

If “growing up” is about emotional development, “waking up” is about deepening our embodied presence with mystery. Flint Sparks draws from his Zen practice to help people step beyond the chatter of their minds and into the stillness and clarity that’s available to all of us. 

Flint has a knack for demystifying Zen teachings. He explained that waking up isn’t about transcending our humanity; it’s about embracing it fully. 

“The Zen path isn’t about escaping life,” he said. “It’s about showing up for it completely, with all its beauty and heartbreak.”

This resonated deeply with me. So often, we think of spiritual growth as something separate from the everyday grind of life, but Flint sees it differently. Waking up is about finding the sacred in the ordinary—whether it’s in the chaos of a family dinner, the stillness of a sunrise, or even the frustration of a traffic jam.

The Intersection of Growing and Waking

What makes Flint’s work so compelling is how he weaves these two processes—growing up and waking up—together. He believes that personal and spiritual growth aren’t separate; they’re two sides of the same coin—and this integration is what makes his approach so transformative.

During our conversation, Flint shared a beautiful metaphor: that life is a symphony. Growing up is like learning to play your instrument well—mastering the technical skills and emotional nuances needed to contribute meaningfully to the orchestra; waking up is about stepping back and appreciating the symphony as a whole—understanding your place in the greater harmony of life.

So, what can we take away from Flint’s teachings? 

First, there is the reminder that life is a practice. Whether you are working on emotional maturity or spiritual awakening, there’s no final exam or finish line. It’s about showing up, day after day, with curiosity and compassion.

Second, Flint’s work challenges us to see the connection between our personal struggles and our larger spiritual path. The moments that frustrate us—whether it’s a difficult conversation, a professional setback, or even just feeling stuck—are opportunities for growth. They’re invitations to both grow up and wake up.

Finally, Flint’s message is one of hope. As someone who has spent decades helping people navigate their inner worlds, he knows that transformation is possible. No matter where you’re starting from, the journey toward greater awareness, connection, and peace is always available.

Live With Purpose and Presence – Every Day

Flint Sparks embodies what it means to live with purpose and presence. He reminds us that growing up and waking up aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re practices we can bring into our daily lives, to offer a path back to ourselves—and to each other.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Flint left me with this parting thought: 

“Life is the teacher, if we’re willing to listen.” 

So let’s listen to life—and to wise guides like Flint Sparks, too. After all, in the end, that’s what we’re all here for—to grow up, wake up, and show up for this one wild and precious life.

Bonus:

Flint and I discussed a very interesting 13th century Persian scholar and Sufi mystic – Rumi – whose work is known for its spiritual appeal, lyrical beauty, and philosophical profundity. 

Here is the wonderful, contemplative poem we spoke so highly of:

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

• Website: Flint Sparks
• Video: Flint Spark’s TEDx Talk
• Book: Essential Rumi, Translated by Coleman Barks
• Podcast: Mindfully Embracing the Unexpected: Advice from a Zen Teacher with Flint Sparks (Episode #143)
• Podcast: Your Life Is One Continuous Mistake, Just Like Everyone Else’s with Sunni Brown (Episode #154)
• Podcast: Nat Geo Photographer Captures The Beauty That Transcends Our Differences with Dewitt Jones (Episode #160)

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 03:00 – Oh!? Now this.
• 06:46 – Being Present for the People We Love
• 15:53 – Acts of Generosity and Gratitude
• 22:09 – Managing Expectations and Uncertainty
• 32:00 – The Impact of Distractions and Technology
• 36:19 – Break 
• 38:35 – Returning to Center: Mindfulness in Daily Life
• 45:25 – The Importance of Connection and Attunement
• 56:14 – Embracing Life’s Guest House
• 1:01:30 – Gratitude Economy
• 1:06:42 – Soften Barriers to Love
• 1:08:00 – Closing