About this episode
As a contemplative practitioner and clinical psychologist, James Finley helps seekers who desire to live a contemplative, whole life. Drawing from his experience as a former monk and spiritual directee of Thomas Merton, Jim offers trustworthy guidance for the spiritual journey through his website, online courses, occasional retreats, and the Center for Action and Contemplation where he serves as a core faculty member of The Living School for Action and Contemplation with Cynthia Bourgeault and Richard Rohr. Jim is the author of several books, including: Merton's Palace of Nowhere, The Contemplative Heart, and Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God. James's podcast, Turning to the Mystics is for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate, and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. A clinical psychologist, James offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton. Leaning into their experiences can become a gateway to hope, healing, and oneness. In each episode, Jim reads an excerpt from a mystical text, unpacks the meaning and symbolism, and then concludes with meditation and prayer. 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. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded August 1, 2020. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:04:41 - Thomas Merton: A Contemplative Life 00:09:00 - The Solitude of Thomas Merton 00:12:26 - Leaving the Monastery: Trauma and Abuse 00:15:25 - Unitive Experiences and Fragility in Spiritual Traditions 00:19:26 - Ascending to Higher States of Consciousness 00:22:53 - The Brokenness Within Oneself 00:26:45 - Abusive Relationships and Healing Processes 00:30:41 - Mystics and Enlightenment in Christianity 00:34:56 - Different Perspectives on Religion and Mysticism 00:38:44 - Awakening and the Path of Transformation 00:42:42 - The Endless Nature of Mysticism 00:46:53 - The Center for Action and Contemplation 00:50:28 - Finding a Healthy Balance 00:54:00 - God's Transcendence and Presence 00:58:32 - The Ocean of Reality and the Religious Experience 01:02:12 - The Play and Display of Divine Intelligence 01:09:28 - The Deathless Beauty of the Beloved 01:13:27 - The Unexpected Nearness of God 01:17:21 - Respecting the Physiology and the Path to Awakening 01:20:49 - The Asceticism of Dying and Letting Go 01:24:37 - Understanding the Crucifixion and Resurrection 01:28:46 - The Mystery of Faith and Resurrection 01:32:24 - The Mystery of the Trinity and God's Self-Expression 01:36:12 - Mystical Consciousness 01:40:05 - Sensitizing ourselves to the beating heart 01:44:18 - The Frustration of Spiritual Practice 01:48:18 - Teaching and Engagement Opportunities with James Finley 01:52:04 - Finding Your Practice and Community 01:55:44 - Farewell and Thanks