Thomas Merton | Season 1 Wrap-Up of “Turning to the Mystics”

In 2020, the first season of Turning to the Mystics premiered! In this season, James Finley introduces listeners to a variety of Thomas Merton’s writings, reflecting on the qualitative essence of the spirit found within each text. 

James Finley studied with Thomas Merton for six years. Along the way, James realized that contemplation is a gateway to oneness with God in both love and in suffering. He says Merton would tell him, “We don’t come to the monastery to get away from suffering; we come to hold the suffering of all the world.”  

A “Turning to the Mystics” Listener Story

This first season of Turning to the Mystics aired in the spring of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into social distancing. In that context, we were so moved to read these words from Beverly S., who listened to this podcast season:  

“The isolation of COVID-19 prompted me to design a 30-day ‘retreat’ using the sessions and instruction offered by James Finley in ‘Turning to the Mystics.’ As Finley progressed through the sessions on Thomas Merton, he frequently mentioned how Merton — if he was alive today — would use inclusive language.  

About three weeks into the ‘retreat,’ I realized I had learned something from my transgender friends that might be useful in finding an apt pronoun for God. Since the majority of Christians believe in a Triune God, it would be helpful — even more accurate — to use the terms ‘They,’ ‘Them,’ and ‘Their.’ I’ve started using these pronouns in my prayer journal as I rendezvous with God. It reminds me of the relationship that exists in the Trinity, as well as the community of all of life.” 

Have you also been impacted by Turning to the Mystics? We would love to hear from you. 

Highlights from “Turning to the Mystics” Season 1 

Unpacking mystical wisdom can help you face the suffering you carry in your heart. Going back to that place can be scary, but it is also brave, freeing, and an act of love. We invite you to study the lives of the mystics, starting with Thomas Merton, in Turning to the Mystics 

You can listen to each episode in Season 1 to step deeper into Thomas Merton’s wisdom: 

• Introducing James Finley — On this introductory episode, Kirsten Oates introduces us to James Finley, our guide for this podcast. 
• Instructions for The Practice — James Finley outlines the three contemplative archetypes. 
• Turning to Thomas Merton — Discover James Finley’s approach to studying the mystics. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 1 — This is the first session of eight that focuses on the mystic, Thomas Merton. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 2 — In the spirit of Lectio Divina, James highlights a prayer from Merton’s Thoughts in Solitude. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 3 — This episode draws from a chapter in Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation. 
• Bonus: Sink Into the Taproot of Your Heart — Our hosts pause and reflect on what the world is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 4 — In this episode, James Finley guides listeners through a meditative practice. 
• Bonus: Deathless Beauty in the Fleetingness of Time — In the context of COVID-19, James speaks on the suffering world. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 5 — James discusses a contemplative prayer from Merton’s Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander. 
• Bonus: A Meditation on Holy Week — In this bonus episode, James and Kirsten focus on Holy Week. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 6 — Explore Thoms Merton’s The Seven Story Mountain and James Finley’s Merton’s Palace of Nowhere. 
• Bonus: Grounding Ourselves in Life and Resurrection — As listeners continue navigating the ongoing pandemic, James and Kirsten focus on an Easter message. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 7 — Learn more about Thomas Merton’s 11 points of infused contemplation. 
• Thomas Merton: Session 8 — Consider overarching themes and aspects of Thomas Merton’s teachings. 
• Thomas Merton: Responding to Listener Questions — James and Kirsten answer listener questions about Merton. 
• Questions About the Practice — Our hosts address listener questions about spiritual practices. 
• Additional Resources for Studying Thomas Merton — This mini-episode offers listeners further reading and additional resources on Merton. 
• The Mystics and Social Justice — This bonus episode discusses systemic racism in our culture, featuring an 8:46 minute meditation to honor Georgie Floyd’s life. 

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! 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast player or explore our Turning to the Mystics playlist on YouTube.