
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

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!

Apr 17, 2023 • 48min
Dialogue 1: The Mystery of the “I Don’t Know”
This is the first dialogue that focuses on the mystic, Meister Eckhart. In this episode, Jim and Kirsten discuss Session 1.Resources:The transcript for this episode 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 10, 2023 • 37min
Meister Eckhart: Session 1
This is the first 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!

Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 1min
Turning to Meister Eckhart
Join James Finley and Kirsten Oates as they explore the life and teachings of 15th-century German mystic Meister Eckhart. Delve into Eckhart's mystical philosophy, his struggle with the church, and the healing power of contemplative spiritual direction. Discover how love, union, and liberation play a central role in understanding God's presence and realization in Eckhart's sermons.