The Cloud of Unknowing | Season 5 Wrap-Up of “Turning to the Mystics”
In season 5 of Turning to the Mystics, James Finley and Kirsten Oates introduce listeners to one of the most intriguing mystical texts in Christianity, “The Cloud of Unknowing.” Together, they unpack spiritual guidance from this mystical book and explore the text’s wisdom for our modern lives.
“The Cloud of Unknowing is saying, ‘here’s a way… a response… to the blind stirring of love.’”
—James Finley, Turning to the Mystics, Season 5
Highlights from Turning to the Mystics Season 5
The Cloud of Unknowing is a mystical work from the 14th century, written by an anonymous English author. Widely regarded as one of one of the most accessible and practical guides to spiritual union, the text offers timeless insight into contemplative prayer.
Structured as a collection of letters from a monk to his disciple, the book presents a clear and approachable path toward divine connection. Its teachings on prayer and meditation are down-to-earth, offering guidance that remains relevant for spiritual seekers today.
Listen to each episode in Season 5 of Turning to the Mystics to step deeper into this rich mystical text:
- Turning to The Cloud of Unknowing – In this episode, our hosts introduce listeners to this anonymous text.
- The Cloud of Unknowing: Session 1 – This is the first session in this podcast season.
- Dialogue 1: The Common Life – Our hosts discuss the first of the four phases in “The Cloud of Unknowing” — the common life.
- The Cloud of Unknowing: Session 2 – James Finley begins with a passage from “The Cloud of Unknowing,” and reflects on the qualitative essence of the spirit of this text.
- Dialogue 2: The Special Life – Turn to the second of four phases in “The Cloud of Unknowing” — the special life.
- The Cloud of Unknowing: Session 3 – In the tenor of Lectio Divina, this episode features a meditation practice.
- Dialogue 3: The Singular Life – The singular life is the third phase in “The Cloud of Unknowing.”
- The Cloud of Unknowing: Session 4 –This is the fourth session exploring this season’s book.
- Dialogue 4: The Perfect Life – Our hosts unpack final phase from “The Cloud of Unknowing” — the perfect life.
- A Coaching Session on Centering Prayer – On this special episode, James coaches Kirsten on implementing the Centering Prayer.
- The Cloud of Unknowing: Listener Questions – Unpack listener questions submitted during the airing of “Turning to the Mystics” season 5.
Transcripts are available for each episode.
“Your calling… is an imperative of your awakened heart.”
—James Finley, Turning to the Mystics, Season 5
A Turning to the Mystics Listener Story
While Season 5 was airing, we were honored to receive feedback from a listener named Elspeth. Here’s some of what she shared with us:
“This morning, I listened to the ‘Turning to the Mystics’ episode on Centering Prayer using ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’ as a guide. It had a profound effect on me. Since the 1990s, I have been practicing Centering Prayer. Much like Kirsten shared in this episode, my mind wanders — and although I feel called to do this — I often wonder ‘is this right for me?’
This morning, as I listened, I began to cry and sobbed through the whole episode. Then, I got up and wrote in my journal about profound insights I was experiencing. Thank you, James and Kirsten. I have listened to all your podcasts on ‘Turning to the Mystics.’ This episode was so helpful and insightful!”
Have you also been impacted by “Turning to the Mystics”? We would love to hear from you.
On every season of Turning to the Mystics, we embark on in-depth explorations of the teachings of one unique mystic, and new episodes are coming soon!
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