Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

Explore the profound distinction between problems and mysteries in life, as outlined by Gabriel Marcel. Delve into the deep connection between personal identity and divine presence, highlighting transformative 'thou' moments. Discover how fidelity transcends traditional beliefs, encouraging a more personal and poetic understanding of the divine. Engage in collective spirituality through communal recitation, while being invited to deepen your contemplative journey with resources for further exploration.

The discussion dives into Gabriel Marcel's philosophical themes, contrasting primary and secondary reflection on existence. Awareness transforms how we perceive love, death, and interconnectedness, shifting challenges into mysteries to embrace. The speakers explore the divine connection within consciousness and the depth of being, highlighting introspection's role in spiritual awakening. They reflect on life's winding path and 'thou moments' that enhance our relationships and groundedness. Ultimately, it's about recognizing the richness of existence and fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

Dive into the intriguing philosophy of Gabriel Marcel as the discussion unfolds around self-awareness and the distinction between problems and mysteries. They explore the mystery of human existence, intertwining concepts of love, consciousness, and shared experiences while contrasting productivity with introspection. Insights from poets and philosophers highlight the significance of recognizing others as 'thous.' Finally, the podcast introduces contemplative practices that foster divine presence, promoting humility and community engagement.

Welcome to Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics. This season we are turning to philosopher Gabriel Marcel for spiritual guidance. In this episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates cover the life and person of Marcel and discuss how we can work with his ideas to transform our lives.Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode will be available soon. The book we will be using this season can be found here. Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until May 13th, 2025.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!

Season 11 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, Gabriel Marcel.Our journey begins on March 17, 2025.Resources:Pick up a copy ofThe Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel by Kenneth T. Gallagher: here Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail

Listen in as Kirsten and Jim tackle listener questions, diving deep into T.S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets.' They explore how poetry can catalyze emotional healing, the importance of living in the eternal present, and the relationship between anger and introspection. Discover transformative journeys through trauma and the interplay of faiths, as well as Eliot's nuanced themes of duality in existence. The discussion celebrates the power of emotion in poetry, connecting nature, desire, and spirituality.

Listeners dive into T.S. Eliot's poetry, focusing on the themes of time and eternity. Discover the beauty of living fully in the present, where each moment is viewed as a precious gift. Explore the link between meditation and recognizing sacred moments in our lives. The podcast also examines the complex nature of existence, grace, and the profound impact of anger on spiritual growth. Plus, a humorous take on the shared experience of waiting in lines reveals unexpected connections among people.

Listeners share inspiring pilgrimage stories as the hosts connect them to themes of spiritual journeys. Personal narratives spotlight unexpected guidance, emphasizing how diverse paths lead to profound spiritual growth. Collective reflections reveal the power of community in nurturing spiritual awakening. A moving poem encapsulates the yearning for belonging, while insights into divine love illustrate how trust in God can liberate burdens. The episode culminates in gratitude for shared experiences, reinforcing the significance of each unique pilgrimage.

In this special episode, Jim and Kirsten review the season and offer a way for us to turn to T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets for guidance on our own spiritual path.Resource Section: A transcript for this episode can be found here. A transcript of the meditation within this episode is accessible here. An information sheet on Lectio practice can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. A free version can be accessed online 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!

On the second half of our special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates continue their conversation with Malcolm Guite. The group briefly discusses the third of of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, The Dry Salvages, before diving into the grand finale, Little Gidding.Resources: Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. To learn more about James Finley, visit his faculty profile here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. The book we will be using this season can be found here. A free version can be accessed online here.  Connect with us: Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about this season? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail  We'll be accepting questions for our Listener Questions episode until November 7th, 2024.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!