Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

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!

Dive into T.S. Eliot's poetic depths as they explore themes of time and existence in 'East Coker.' Discover the solitude and interconnectedness of nature, revealing the beauty beyond linear perception. Contemplate existential fears, identity, and mortality while reflecting on our shared human journey. Experience the transformative 'dark night of the soul,' leading to profound spiritual awakenings. Finally, embrace the art of waiting, finding fulfillment within divine love and collective healing through meditative introspection.

Dive into T.S. Eliot's poetic landscape, where spirituality meets emotional depth. The dialogue highlights how personal suffering can lead to profound insights about faith and salvation. Through evocative metaphors, themes of mortality and interconnectedness unfold, encouraging a deeper appreciation of life's complexities. The transformative power of mercy and divine contemplation is explored, with reflections on memory's role in transcending time. Finally, the speakers connect Eliot's wisdom to mystical traditions, revealing the rich spiritual journey embedded in poetry.

This is the first session that focuses on the poet T.S. Eliot and his work, Four Quartets. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from Four Quartets, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text, and finishes with a meditative practice.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 mystical world of T.S. Eliot as his poetry transforms spiritual journeys. Discover how mysticism and poetry interweave, reflecting deep emotional truths. Explore the poet's public acclaim alongside his introspective life. Unpack the profound themes of suffering and divine presence in works like 'The Waste Land.' Experience the serenity of 'Burt Norton' and the concept of the 'still point.' Join the conversation on Eliot's 'Four Quartets' for a deeper connection with the divine.

Season 10 of Turning to the Mystics will continue with our next mystic, T.S. Eliot.Our journey begins on September 9th, 2024.

Kirsten and Jim dive into listener questions about spiritual journeys and the transformative power of inner calling. They discuss the significance of weaving spirituality into professional lives, especially in legal fields. The duo explores the harmony between rhythm, solitude, and prayer, alongside the profound impact of the Jesus Prayer. They reflect on longing in spirituality, emphasizing the cyclical nature of yearning and fulfillment. Plus, they express excitement about sharing upcoming pilgrimage stories, fostering deeper community connections.