The other day I took a walk with a friend of mine, about my age, who is going through a spiritual transition. He was at one point a very devout…
Everything you always wanted to know about Christian mysticism (but were afraid to ask)
Hey you! Yes, that’s right… you, the person reading these words right now. I need your help. Don’t go away — please read this post and take a moment to…
Julian (1987-2007)
The oldest of our four cats has died. Julian (yes, named after the English mystic) came to live with me as an adorable calico kitten in the fall of 1987….
Brigid’s Well, Tully, County Kildare, Ireland
Brigid’s Well, Tully, County Kildare, Ireland This page features photos of Brigid’s Well in County Kildare, Ireland. This well is a lovely example of the ongoing practice of water veneration…
The Rule of Saint Benedict
It might be easy for anyone who doesn’t live in (or aspire to live in) a monastery or some other form of intentional religious community to simply dismiss the Rule…
A Conversation with the Compost Queen
Trina Paulus, author of the best-selling Hope for the Flowers, talks about environmental activism, the spirituality of waiting, and two very special butterflies named Yellow and Stripe. September 1997 marks…
Lectio Divina
Some Christians will tell you that the heart of Christian spirituality is reading the Bible. Others will say that the key to mystical intimacy with God is not filling your…
Contemplation (Contemplative Prayer) — the Heart of Christian Practice
From the earliest centuries of the common era, up to now in the third millennium, the heart of Christian spirituality is the practice of contemplation. The earliest monks read the…
Julian of Norwich
In her work (the first book written by a woman in English), Julian recounts an amazing series of visions she had while suffering from a life-threatening illness; as she reflects on the meaning of her visions, she reveals a profound level of mystical wisdom and insight that, over six hundred years later, remains on the cutting edge of Christian theology.
The Book of My Life
The Book of My Life By Teresa of Àvila Translated by Mirabai Starr Boston: New Seeds, 2007 One of the challenges of being a reviewer is learning the discipline of…
Dancin’ in the Streets with Mickey Hart
Note from Carl: I wrote this in 1990, when I was 29 years old. I am doing everything in my power to keep from editing it, because once I start…
111 Mystics
The following list of books represent those writings by 111 Pagan, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim mystics dating from the beginning of the common era to the present day. Please buy…