Friends, three of my books are currently on sale as Kindle e-books in the USA. Act now for a chance to get these books at a deep discount. These prices…
Author: Carl McColman
Soul Friend and Storyteller. Lay Cistercian, Centering Prayer Presenter, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Speaker, Teacher, Retreat Leader.
Why “Nobody’s Perfect” is Such Good News
Nobody’s perfect. It’s such a bit of folk wisdom that it just rolls off our tongue. But do we believe it? Do we accept the imperfections in ourselves — or…
A Dream and a Book (How I Learned About Christian Mysticism)
For episode 2 of my new podcast, Schola Mystica, I tell a brief story about how I first learned about Christian mysticism, beginning with a dream I had shortly after graduating…
Some Journal Entries from A Young Aspiring Contemplative
I’ve been refurbishing my office over the past few months, and so one of the tasks I’ve taken on is reviewing my old journals. Most of them I’m content to…
Balancing Faith in the Word with a Scholarly Understanding of the Bible
Sometimes, people grow up in conservative churches where the Bible is often read in a very literal or fundamentalist way. Such persons might go on to study at a college…
Wisdom During Difficult Times from Evelyn Underhill and Julian of Norwich
Today I led a day of reflection for the Mary Brewster Committee of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgfield, CT. This committee is tasked with creating a retreat each year…
Two New Podcasts, One Existing Podcast, and a Youtube Channel for You to Explore
Dear friends, I’m excited to announce that I have launched two new podcasts. Each one will be oriented toward exploring mystical spirituality — one in a more “learning about” sense,…
Video: Just what IS Mysticism?
What is mysticism? It’s a question I often get asked, so here is a short little video where I try to sort it out a bit.
Is Non-Attachment a Christian Virtue?
Recently I received a note from a long-time reader of this blog who was questioning me on something I have previously written, basically this: Why Experience is Not the Foundation…
Need Help? Ask the Angels
Today, September 29, is the Feast Day for the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. It’s traditionally known as “Michaelmas” and in the Episcopal Church it’s called the Feast of St….
Optional Reading List for the Zeitgeist “Contemplation and Practice” Course — with Guided Meditations
From September 28 through November 9, 2020 I’m leading a program called “Contemplation and Practice” through Zeitgeist Atlanta. Here are some of the meditations that participants will have access to….
Basic Breath Meditation
Brief instructions for a basic breath meditation, with timed silence for practice. Suitable for meditators at all levels of expertise (including beginners) and adaptable to any wisdom tradition or mindfulness…