Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

By: Center for Action and Contemplation
  • Summary

  • 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.
    © 2023, Center for Action and Contemplation. All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Introducing James Finley
    Feb 8 2020
    On this introductory episode, Kirsten Oates introduces us to James Finley, our guide for this podcast. Together they explore the journey of Jim's life and how turning to the mystics and leaning into their experiences can become a gateway to hope, healing and oneness. Jim offers trustworthy guidance for the spiritual journey through programs with the Center for Action and Contemplation including this podcast, and online courses. Jim is the author of several books, including Merton’s Palace of Nowhere, The Contemplative Heart, and Christian Meditation. The transcript for this episode can be found here. To learn more, visit jamesfinley.org Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. To do so, email us at podcasts@cac.org 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 cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Instructions for The Practice
    Feb 17 2020
    In this episode, Kirsten Oates and James Finley are in dialogue about the form and practice of Turning to the Mystics. In this spirit James Finley begins by outlining the 3 contemplative archetypes that serve as pathways to honor each of our experiences on the mystical journey. He then unpacks his process for each episode; reading a mystical text, reflecting upon that text, and concluding with meditation and prayer. To learn more about Jim, visit jamesfinley.org Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. To do so, email us at podcasts@cac.org 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 cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you! For the transcript to this podcast, you can find it here. Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer on a future episode? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Or, send us a voicemail: cac.org/voicemail
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    30 mins
  • Turning to Thomas Merton
    Feb 24 2020
    In this episode, Kirsten Oates and James Finley are in conversation about Jim’s approach to studying the mystics, how one might integrate their teachings into our daily lives, and most notably a background and sense of the mystic who is the focus of this first series, Thomas Merton. By the end of this episode you will have robust understanding of the life and work of Thomas Merton and his impact on James Finley. To learn more, visit jamesfinley.org  Turning to the Mystics is a podcast by the Center for Action and Contemplation. We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. To do so, email us at podcasts@cac.org For the transcript to this podcast, you can find it here. Have a question you'd like Jim or Kirsten to answer on a future episode? Email us: podcasts@cac.org Or, send us a voicemail: cac.org/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 cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you! We'd love to have your thoughts in mind as we think about future seasons, help us out by filling out this survey: turningtothemystics.com
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    55 mins

What listeners say about Turning to the Mystics with James Finley

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Worth a listen

I enjoyed learning about the mystics, contemplative prayer, and appreciated James Finley's psychological perspective in addition to his faith journey.

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Deepen Your Prayer Life

James Finley & Kirsten Oates have a dynamic sharing that leads to deep insights and further contemplative experiences & understanding of mystics ~ I highly recommend.

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Eternal Information

James Finley points the way to something higher than information. He is not just giving knowledge. He's sharing his experience. As he talks, my soul and spirit awaken to what is seldom talked about in our world today. Experiential spirituality. Oneness with God.

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Soul affirming

I love James Finley and the conversation between he and Kristen makes such deep learning so easy. Thank you !

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Chance Or Providential?

I just discovered this podcast today (1/16/2023) while listening to some Audible samples about Mysticism. Was it by chance or......Something Else? I don't know, but I am looking forward to devouring this podcast, along with learning more about Mr.Finley , Mr.Rohr, and CAC. Bravo!

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NEW BEGINNINGS

Love anything Jim Finley teaches. His life story made me face my story!
NEW LIVING!!

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Awesome!

James Finley is a great soul and teacher. This is a great series. So good.

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A remarkable series

For anyone who wants to learn more about mysticism (contemplative life) either historical or contemporary, this series is highly recommended. If you are a mystic, think you might be, or just want to learn more about the subject , this podcast takes you deep into the mystery. While primarily an examination of Christian mysticism, Jim acknowledges and quotes from a wide range of religious traditions.

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