Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

Dive into deep reflections on love as a transformative force that connects us to each other and the divine. Discover how acknowledging imperfection enriches our appreciation for one another. The concept of unconditional love is examined, inviting personal reflection on our divine essence. The session concludes with a moment of stillness through the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, fostering gratitude and spiritual engagement. It's a meditative journey into the heart of existential love.

In this third dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on the theme of Hope within the thoughts and teachings of Gabriel Marcel. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here. 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!

Dive into the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel as hope and despair are intricately balanced. Explore the concept of invincible hope amid life's uncertainties and personal tragedies. Discover how faith sustains us through loss, reflecting on the teachings of Jesus. Embrace the tension between time and the eternal self, encouraging acceptance during life's transitions. Finally, cultivate stillness and contemplation, fostering a deeper connection to spirituality and transformative practices.

This dialogue dives into the concept of fidelity through the lens of philosopher Gabriel Marcel. The hosts explore the distinction between life's challenges and its deeper mysteries, emphasizing love and consciousness in our shared existence. They highlight the sacredness of everyday moments and the importance of being present for divine encounters, or 'thou moments.' Reflective practices like Lectio Divina are introduced as vital for nurturing spiritual connections, while discussing the transformative power of genuine relationships and the steadfastness of divine fidelity.

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.