
Turning to the Mystics with James Finley
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2023 • 44min
Meister Eckhart: Listener Questions (Part 2)
Welcome to the listener questions series from our sessions on Meister Eckhart. Due to the volume of questions this season, we have decided to make three episodes dedicated to listener questions. This is the second of three on Meister Eckhart.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart 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!

Jul 31, 2023 • 51min
Meister Eckhart: Listener Questions (Part 1)
Turning to the Mystics has reached its 100th episode! Thanks to all of you for listening and staying engaged with the show, both in practice and in community. Due to the volume of questions this season, we have decided to make three episodes dedicated to listener questions. This is the first of three on Meister Eckhart.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart 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!

4 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 58min
Bonus: Meister Eckhart's Life and Influence feat. Rev. Matthew Fox
On this special bonus episode, James Finley and Kirsten Oates interview Rev. Matthew Fox about the life and influence of Meister Eckhart.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 6min
A Coaching Session on Eckhart's Path
Jim and Kirsten review Eckhart's path in a coaching session, discussing the Trinity, Eckhart's teachings on stillness and prayer, the journey to divine presence, detaching from perceptions, perceiving the divine in everyday moments, and resources for further exploration.

May 30, 2023 • 1h 4min
Dialogue 4: Surrendering to the Ground
This is the fourth dialogue that focuses on the mystic Meister Eckhart. In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss Session 4, the last session of the season, and Eckhart's theme around surrendering to the ground.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

May 22, 2023 • 59min
Meister Eckhart: Session 4
This is the fourth session that focuses on the mystic Meister Eckhart. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from a few of Meister Eckhart's sermons, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of these texts, and finishes with a meditative practice.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

May 15, 2023 • 56min
Dialogue 3: Eckhart’s Path of Detachment
This is the third dialogue that focuses on the mystic Meister Eckhart. In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss Session 3 and the theme around Eckhart's path of detachment.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

May 8, 2023 • 48min
Meister Eckhart: Session 3
This is the third session that focuses on the mystic Meister Eckhart. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from a few of Meister Eckhart's sermons, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of these texts, and finishes with a meditative practice.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

4 snips
May 1, 2023 • 54min
Dialogue 2: The Hidden Ground of God
This is the second dialogue that focuses on the mystic Meister Eckhart. In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss Session 2 and the theme around the hidden ground of God.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!

Apr 24, 2023 • 37min
Meister Eckhart: Session 2
This is the second session that focuses on the mystic, Meister Eckhart. In the tenor of the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, James Finley begins with passages from a few of Meister Eckhart's sermons, reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of these texts, and finishes with a meditative practice.Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
Jim's reading list for Meister Eckhart can be found here.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer about Meister Eckhart? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail.
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!
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