Turning to the Mystics with James Finley
Center for Action and Contemplation
Turning to the Mystics is a podcast for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. James Finley, clinical psychologist and Living School faculty, offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, John of the Cross among others. Leaning into their experiences can become a gateway to hope, healing and oneness. Together with Kirsten Oates from the Center for Action and Contemplation, they explore listener questions and examine their own paths as modern contemplatives in this beautiful and broken world.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
Bonus: Carmen Acevedo Butcher on Brother Lawrence
Carmen Acevedo Butcher, an award-winning translator and teacher, shares her journey of translating Brother Lawrence's 'Practice of the Presence.' She discusses how a pivotal conversation inspired her project and how she approaches translation as a spiritual practice. Carmen explains the challenges of conveying the ineffable mysticism in language and highlights Brother Lawrence's emphasis on finding God in ordinary tasks. The conversation explores themes of humility, trauma recovery, and the inclusivity of contemporary translations and their implications for understanding the divine.
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
Dialogue 3: Mystical Lineage
In this thought-provoking session, Jim and Kirsten dive into Brother Lawrence's influence within the mystical lineage, emphasizing practical spirituality. They explore Teresa of Ávila's transformative teachings and the concept of prayer that deepens the heart's receptivity. The discussion touches on John of the Cross’s dark night experience and how both enrichment and deprivation lead to unitive awareness. The panel reflects on the importance of humility and daily life in spiritual practice, ultimately illuminating the mystics' journey towards divine transformation.
Oct 13, 2025 • 40min
Brother Lawrence: Session 3
Explore the transformative awakenings of mystics like Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross. Delve into how a simple tree sparked profound insights and how love can enlarge the heart. Discover the role of grace moments as pathways to a constant sense of divine presence. James Finley guides listeners to reflect on their own awakenings and how to deepen their spiritual practices. Engage in a practical prayer movement to nurture a habitual connection with the divine, culminating in a rich, guided meditation.
Oct 6, 2025 • 53min
Dialogue 2: All for All
Dive into the rich insights of Brother Lawrence's letters, exploring how mystical simplicity evolves over a lifetime. Discover the beauty of integrating the divine into everyday tasks, and the struggles that accompany spiritual beginnings. Jim and Kirsten reflect on the nature of recognizing spiritual teachers and the challenge of conveying mystical experiences. They discuss love, mercy, and the transformative power of practicing God's presence, emphasizing how limitations can lead one closer to divine love.
Sep 29, 2025 • 42min
Brother Lawrence: Session 2
Dive into the profound wisdom of Brother Lawrence as the significance of his 12th letter unfolds, revealing clarity in life's final moments. Explore how awareness of God's presence isn't solely earned but given, while navigating unshareable interior experiences. Discover the beauty of seeing only love in everyday tasks, and understand that flaws do not diminish God's grace. Join in gratitude for divine kindness and learn how practical spirituality thrives in the mundane, leading to a life fully immersed in love.
Sep 22, 2025 • 54min
Dialogue 1: Everything is Possible
Jim and Kirsten explore Brother Lawrence's powerful teachings on the presence of God in everyday life. They delve into the significance of belief and faith, highlighting how a humble cook became a spiritual guide. The discussion reveals Brother Lawrence’s youthful vision of a tree, symbolizing spiritual awakening and detachment. Practical tips on recognizing divinity in mundane tasks, along with the essential role of love and silence in spiritual practice, provide listeners with insightful ways to deepen their connection with the divine.
11 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 33min
Brother Lawrence: Session 1
Dive into the mystical teachings of Brother Lawrence and discover the art of Practicing the Presence of God. Engage in reflections on belief, hope, and love as essential components of spiritual life. The conversation emphasizes recognizing divine presence in everyday moments, inviting a deeper connection to both personal and communal spirituality. Wrap up with a meditative practice that encourages mindfulness and reflection.
21 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 47min
Turning to Brother Lawrence
The discussion centers on the life of Brother Lawrence and his transformative spiritual journey. Highlights include how he found profound awakening through everyday tasks like cooking. The hosts emphasize the power of simply being present, contrasting it with more complex mystical teachings. They explore the impact of humility in service and the quiet mysticism found in ordinary experiences. Additionally, the themes of spiritual friendship and legacy are examined, encouraging listeners to embrace simplicity in their own spiritual paths.
Aug 25, 2025 • 5min
Coming Soon: Turning to Brother Lawrence
Season 12 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.
Our journey begins on September 8, 2025.
Resources:
Pick up a copy of Brother Lawrence's Practice of the Presence as translated by Carmen Acevedo Butcher: here
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 19min
Gabriel Marcel: Listener Questions
In this episode, Kirsten and Jim answer listener questions from Season 11, focusing on the teachings of Gabriel Marcel.
Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Connect with us:
This podcast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/ Thank you!
