SHOW / EPISODE

Episode 7 – Inside the Sensory Rich, Embodied Wisdom of Neurodivergent Spirituality with Josh Davis

51m | Jul 14, 2026

SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of the show, you can get 25% off Deb Gregory's new book, Spiritual Wayfinding, by using the code IVPOD25 at checkout at ivpress.com. We hope you enjoy this season!


Autistic pastor and spiritual director Josh Davis takes us inside the sensory‑rich, embodied wisdom of neurodivergent spirituality. He shares how his body processes emotional and sensory spikes, how stimming helps him settle, and why music has become his “heart language”—a place to regulate and commune with God without words.

We explore the surge of surprise, the role of embodied prayer, and the spiritual depth that emerges when we honor the body’s way of knowing.

Featuring selections from Josh’s own music throughout the episode.

 

In this episode:

  • How surprise impacts emotional regulation and spiritual transformation, guided by research from “surpriseologists” Tania Luna and Leanne Renninger
  • The significance of the surprise regulation protocol: freeze, find, shift, and share
  • Josh’s embodied practices for connecting with God through sunlight, blessing, and sensory grounding
  • The nuances of masking versus unmasking, and the spiritual journey of owning neurodivergent traits
  • The sacred role of music as a heart language that fosters divine communion
  • Challenges and creative solutions for neurodivergent believers in church environments
  • The importance of cultivating spaces of authentic belonging and vulnerability
  • How imagination works differently in neurodivergence, including insights on aphantasia and alternative pathways to divine encounter
  • Practical ways leaders and spiritual directors can validate diverse pathways to God and nurture neurodivergent gifts
  • A guided reflection inspired by Psalm 34 to taste, see, hear, smell, and touch the goodness of God

Timestamps:

(00:00) The power of surprise and its role in emotional and spiritual awakening

(02:37) The surprise regulation protocol: freeze, find, shift, share

(07:12) Embodied spiritual practices for regulation and connection

(10:16) Understanding neurodivergence as creative diversity

(17:12) How surprise amplifies emotions and how to cultivate grace

(22:14) Neurodivergent experiences of church, worship, and belonging

(28:04) The gifts of neurodivergent believers: diversity as divine design

(30:42) The spiritual richness of the body and movement in Scripture and practice

(35:24) The unmasking process: vulnerability, shame, and spiritual freedom

(46:46) Imagining with and without visualization: a guide for spiritual growth

(58:11) A simple embodied meditation to taste and see God’s goodness

Resources & Links:

Connect with Josh Davis:

Extended Closing Meditation:

Join Josh in this embodied reflection: pause, notice one sensory experience that signals God's goodness, and breathe in divine blessing. Feel free to adapt practices for your own body, soul, and context—trusting that transformation often begins in the surprise of simply showing up as ourselves.

Music:

Opening Music: Palms Down by Blue Dot Sessions

Closing Song: "Roots" by Ryvoli

Featured Songs by Josh Davis: What If, Desire

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