On today’s show, I welcome Dr. Curt Thompson back to the podcast. If you remember Curt from Episode 33, you already know that the conversation ahead is a special one.

Dr. Curt Thompson is a psychiatrist, author, speaker, and the host of The Being Known Podcast. Curt’s work largely lies at the intersection of interpersonal neurobiology and spiritual formation, connecting our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves. Curt desires to show us how to form deep relationships, discover meaning, and live integrated, creative lives. Using the tools of neuroscience, attachment research, and Biblical knowledge, Curt names the depths of what it means to be human; to long to be deeply known and live into and in light of the true hope of the Gospel.

In today’s conversation, Curt and I discuss themes and insights from his most recent book, The Soul of Desire. Curt explains why beauty makes all the difference in our lives; how we can put ourselves in the path of oncoming beauty, and why it’s so important to do so. Curt also names the importance of community in helping us see beauty in ourselves and envisioning beauty amidst the chaos of our own lives. Perhaps most importantly, Curt reminds us that God is a God who wades into the chaos of the world, and the chaos of our lives, and not only sees beauty but is intimately involved in bringing that beauty about.