The Atlanta Spiritual Formation Collective has invited me for an evening event on Saturday, September 18. We’ll be talking about the blessings of contemplative spirituality, as well as exploring some…
Author: Carl McColman
Soul Friend and Storyteller. Lay Cistercian, Centering Prayer Presenter, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Speaker, Teacher, Retreat Leader.
Online Course: Christian Mystics and Spiritual Companionship (September 9-30)
I’m so pleased to be partnering with Spiritual Directors International to offer this four-part series on spiritual direction/accompaniment and the Christian mystical tradition. Watch this video to get a taste,…
Mysticism and Faith: How Do They Relate?
Mysticism is important because it implies an experimental spirituality — it’s not something you learn from a book, but it’s a reality that we live, in our own heart and minds and bodies. But does this mean that there is no room for doctrine and faith in the mystical life?
The Wisdom of the Heart (the Eternal Heart Book Launch Celebration!)
Friends, in case you missed it, here is a recording of the Eternal Heart book launch celebration! We gathered on the evening of June 29 — if you missed it,…
Online Class: Introduction to Christian Mysticism (August 21, 2021)
This online program is sponsored by Zeitgeist Atlanta. For more information or to register, click here. Zeitgeist — Atlanta’s Home for the Spiritually Independent and their friends — is offering…
Can Contemplatives Have Fun?
Two words I often don’t hear together: “contemplation” and “fun” — or, for that matter, “mysticism” and “fun.” Recently I have been thinking about this, and I decided it was…
Howard Thurman
When we consider also the rich mystical sensibility that characterizes Howard Thurman’s sermons and writings, it is clear that he is one of the great twentieth-century Christian contemplatives.
Catholic Spirituality versus the Institutional Church: Navigating the Choppy Waters
A friend on Instagram wrote this to me recently: Hello, Carl! I have become so drawn to the Catholic Church and I don’t know what to do. I am an…
In-Person Retreat: Praying with the English Mystics (August 16-20, 2021)
After almost 18 months of doing only online retreats and programs, I am thrilled to announce my first in-person event of 2021, at beautiful Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina! This…
My Latest Initiative, or, What is a “Contemplative in Residence”?
Friends, I am honored to announce that I have embraced a special relationship with one of Atlanta’s most progressive and visionary spiritual communities. I have been named the “Contemplative in…
Online Day of Reflection for Patrons: Transfiguration (August 7, 2021)
Four times a year I offer an online Quiet Day/Day of Reflection for the generous patrons who support the Anamchara website/blog/knowledge base through Patreon. The next such quiet day will…
Online Event: The Path of the Awakened Heart (July 31,2021)
Authors Colette Lafia and Carl McColman join together to lead this special online program celebrating the wisdom of the heart. Sponsored by the East West Bookshop of Mountain View California….