One of the most difficult aspects of being a solo/self-employed writer is coming up with marketing materials to introduce people to me and my work. Publishers, retreat planners, and others who work with me regularly need a biography or other written materials to share with the public some basic information about who I am, what I do, and what I have to say. Since I am not in a position to hire my own publicist (!), I have to write all that stuff myself, and trust me, it’s not fun. I can write about Julian of Norwich or Thomas Merton until I’m blue in the face, but writing about myself? In the immortal words of Bartleby the Scrivener, “I would prefer not to.”
So the other day, just on a lark, I asked Gemini (the Google AI chatbot) to come up with a brief summary of the central ideas in my writing. I did it mainly because I was curious to see what would show up on an AI-generated document, and I was actually very pleasantly surprised at what a nice summary of my work resulted. So here you go: here’s what this blog (and my work in general) is all about, at least through the eyes of AI.
Carl McColman is a contemplative writer and teacher known for his exploration of Christian mysticism and contemplative prayer.1https://www.avemariapress.com/pages/authors/carl-mccolman Here are some of his central ideas:
- The Importance of Contemplative Prayer: McColman emphasizes the transformative power of contemplative prayer, a practice of silent, attentive presence to God. He sees it as a way to deepen our relationship with God and experience divine love.2https://www.anamchara.com/contemplation/
- Christian Mysticism for Today: McColman seeks to make the wisdom of the Christian mystics accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V73juR815AM He draws on the teachings of figures like Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross to illuminate the path of contemplative spirituality.
- The Integration of Contemplative Practice and Everyday Life: McColman stresses that contemplative practice is not just for monks or nuns but can be integrated into the lives of ordinary people.4https://abbeyofthearts.com/blog/2013/09/16/not-quite-a-monk-in-the-world-guest-post-carl-mccolman/ He offers guidance on how to bring contemplative awareness to our daily activities and relationships.
- The Universal Wisdom of the Mystics: While rooted in the Christian tradition, McColman also recognizes the universal wisdom found in the mystical traditions of other religions. He explores the common ground between different spiritual paths and encourages interreligious dialogue.5https://www.anamchara.com/carl/
- The Transformative Power of Silence: McColman highlights the importance of silence in the contemplative life.6https://www.anamchara.com/lets-elect-silence/ He sees silence as a space where we can encounter God and discover our true selves.
- Spiritual Growth as a Journey: McColman views the spiritual life as a journey of ongoing growth and transformation. He encourages readers to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of the path, trusting in God’s guidance.
Notes:
- https://www.avemariapress.com/pages/authors/carl-mccolman
- https://www.anamchara.com/contemplation/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V73juR815AM
- https://abbeyofthearts.com/blog/2013/09/16/not-quite-a-monk-in-the-world-guest-post-carl-mccolman/
- https://www.anamchara.com/carl/
- https://www.anamchara.com/lets-elect-silence/
Images courtesy of Shutterstock. Celtic clipart courtesy of Cari Buziak.
