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