Episode 18: Sexuality, Grief, Miscarriage: Danae Ashley

Denae and Kara discuss the deep connections between sexuality and spirituality. When we ignore our bodies we end up suffering. God invites us to listen more closely to ourselves daily — we just need to accept that invitation. Sometimes our story isn’t written the way we want it to be, so it’s okay to grieve that and then find life and a new purpose. Your story is still valid even if it is not what you imagined. 

A native of Spokane, Washington, the Rev. Danae M. Ashley, MDiv, MA, LMFT is an Episcopal priest and marriage and family therapist who has ministered with parishes in North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and serves as the Associate Rector at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Seattle and a therapist at Soul Spa Seattle. Danae uses art, music, drama, poetry, and movement in counseling, spiritual direction, and creation of ritual. Her interfaith Clergy Care Circles directly supports diverse clergy in varied circumstances across the country. She is a proud alumna of Young Clergy Women International (YCWI).

Danae is also one of the contributors of the book, Still a Mother: Journeys through Perinatal Bereavement. Additionally, she produced the play “Naming the Un-Named: Stories of Fertility Struggle”with playwright Amanda Aikman; has written for Working Preacher: Craft of Preaching, Luther Seminary’s Faith+Leader, and Episcopal Café’s Speaking of the Soul series; writes and narrates sermon podcasts for the Episcopal Church’s “Sermons that Work; and has been featured on several podcasts regarding fertility struggle and faith.

Danae's favorite past times include reading, planning future travels with her husband, tending Alvie’s Memorial Garden, delighting in Sophie Grace (adopted pit bull) and her snuggles, dancing with wild abandon to Celtic music, and serious karaoke.