The Little Poor Man (Poverello), Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), was a new kind of saint and mystic. His convert, Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), sought to emulate his life of poverty and apostolic service by founding a female branch of the Franciscan order. Their writings and example formed one of the key traditions in Christian mysticism.

In this video, Prof Bernard McGinn, mystics expert and Margaret Lane discuss the role of Francis and Clare of Assisi in the context of the Christian mystics, as part of a WCCM online series 'Into the Mystics'. You can watch the full series on WCCM video streaming platform, WCCM+ at https://wccmplus.org/programs/into-the-mystics

Music: Final Soliloquy from YouTube AudioLibrary

John Main has become regarded as a modern spiritual master, whose teaching on contemplative prayer inaugurated a global community and spiritual movement. John Main studied Law at Trinity College Dublin (1950-54). After a short career as a diplomat in Malaya, where he discovered meditation as part of the universal wisdom, he taught Law at Trinity from 1956–58. After becoming a Benedictine monk he discovered meditation in his own tradition and dedicated the rest of his life to restoring it as central to Christian life. Set in the university context that helped form him, this conference explores key aspects of his life and teaching. John Main’s transforming insight is rooted in mystical theology and his emphasis on personal experience has brought new life to this tradition today.

In a conversation recorded in 2013, legendary investor Ray Dalio shares how more than 40 years of meditation profoundly shaped his life and career, deeming it the "biggest influence" on his success. He discusses its role in cultivating equanimity, creativity, and a unique detachment that enabled him to navigate high-stakes decisions and prioritize service over ego. Dalio advocates for meditation's physiological benefits, its ability to foster thoughtful disagreement in leadership, and its power to instill a sense of connection to the whole, ultimately believing it can even help address societal corruption through a deeper, more connected perspective.

EarthDaySession2andGroupAudio by Laurence Freeman

EarthDaySession1andDadirriAudio by Laurence Freeman

Christmas Music from Messiah. Kings College Choir feat Gloria Jennings side1 by Laurence Freeman

Christmas Music from Messiah. Kings College Choir feat Gloria side2 by Laurence Freeman

In the session, Tim Shriver explored ways we can relearn to live together, even when we disagree. This was session number 3 in our annual series, The Risk of Living Together (learn more here).

You can learn more about Tim Shriver, UNITE, and the Dignity Index by visiting: https://www.dignity.us

Drawing on his 28 years at the IMF, including 14 as General Counsel, Sean Hagan shares his personal journey with meditation, emphasizing its profound impact on his ability to cultivate attention, find stability amidst pressure, and develop a crucial sense of detachment and other-centeredness essential for effective leadership and navigating the complexities of a global landscape.

In this series Laurence Freeman helps us rediscover the art of reading any sacred text contemplatively, by learning to engage with the books that make up the Hebrew and Christian Bibles.