Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

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.

Dive into a meditative journey inspired by T.S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets,' exploring the profound connection between poetry and personal spirituality. Discover the importance of stillness, solitude, and reflective practices in fostering divine connections. Embrace the complexities of existence through mindfulness and patience, as well as the unexpected emergence of hope and love. Uncover the fluid dance of prayer and meditation, and celebrate the cyclical nature of spiritual growth, all contributing to a richer understanding of one's journey.

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!

On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Malcolm Guite about the nature of poetry to speak to directly to the heart, as it attempts to give shape and form to the ineffable. They also discuss the first two of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, providing additional depth and insight into Eliot's use of pattern, exploration of time and place, as well as his references to the mystics.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!

Dive into the spiritual depths of T.S. Eliot's "Little Gidding," uncovering its themes of redemption and divine connection. Discover how sincere prayer transforms ordinary life into a sacred experience. Explore the richness of mystical encounters and the challenges of articulating such profound insights. Embrace the duality of spiritual awakening and the acceptance of human flaws, drawing wisdom from life's complexities. Reflect on the beauty of aging and the relationship between love and suffering in the quest for deeper spiritual understanding.

Delve into T.S. Eliot's 'Little Gidding,' where mystical themes of time and prayer reveal the divine in life's chaos. Discover how inviting God into daily distractions transforms our reality. Explore the intricate connections between prayer, life, and death, embracing themes of forgiveness and moral integrity. Celebrate the renewal of love, challenging false admiration and inviting spiritual growth. Reflect on the power of love and stillness to connect us with the divine, encouraging fulfillment in God's infinite grace.

Dive into a rich dialogue about T.S. Eliot's 'The Dry Salvages' and its spiritual themes, exploring how nature communicates divine truths. Discover the interconnectedness of individual experiences and the healing power of reconnecting with the natural world. Delve into the enunciation of existence and its impact on understanding mortality. With insights from Hinduism and Buddhism, the discussion highlights the quest for spiritual fulfillment, underscoring the role of poetry and empathy in fostering a profound connection to the divine.

Dive into T.S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets' as the podcast reflects on the delicate balance between nature and technology, emphasizing nature's enduring power. Explore personal growth through the insights of the Bhagavad Gita, celebrating love and nonviolence. Discover the evolving journey of self, urging mindfulness in the present while navigating time. Delve into the richness of prayer and its connection to eternity, highlighting the need for sincerity and deeper spiritual engagement in a distracting world.

In this second dialogue session Jim and Kirsten focus on quartet two, East Coker.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!