HI THERE! I'M BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI, FREELANCE WRITER, HISTORICAL RESEARCHER, & PERPETUAL SEEKER OF THE HUMAN CONDITION. WELCOME TO MY SPACE WHERE I SHARE THE BOOKS I'M READING, MY SPIRITUAL FINDINGS, FLOWERS IN MY GARDEN, AND LOST STORIES. ALL ARE WELCOME HERE.
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Welcome to Loving The Imperfect, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski, a writer, a journalist, an educator who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to read and broaden my understanding of the human condition through the stories of others. This season we … Continue reading Mirabai Starr and the Divine Feminine
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss *Welcome to Loving The Imperfect, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski, a writer, a journalist, and an educator who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years. I continue to read and broaden my understanding of the human condition through the stories of others. Join me, along … Continue reading Modern-Day Prophets: Featuring Spoken Word Poet Kae Tempest with Brianne & Erin
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of … Continue reading SEASON 2 FINALE: What Blessings May Come in the Mess of Life with Terry Gonda
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories … Continue reading Father Eric Williams: A Life in the Priesthood
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of … Continue reading A High School Student’s Journey with the Celestial
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories … Continue reading Giving Back with Dr. Rick Maibauer
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of … Continue reading A Lifetime of Service with Ged Youngman
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of how … Continue reading –An Advent Special–Blessings from Kenya: The Story of a Mother’s Love and Sacrifice
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Intro: Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of … Continue reading The SS Edmund Fitzgerald: Featuring Michigan Shipwreck Explorer, Ric Mixter
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss To listen on my website click HERE. To listen on the Buzzsprout website click HERE. Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of … Continue reading Resounding Praise: Season One Finale with Psalm 150
In this episode, we explore what the beginning of a mystical path can look and feel like. I am speaking from my own experience, so please know that your experience might be different from mine. My journey began when I read W. Somerset Maugham's book Don Fernando, a history of Spain's Golden Age. In this book, he introduces some of the most important mystics of all time: St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, Luis de Leon, and the artist El Greco. This episode is our second to last episode in this season. I hope you enjoy it! Books/media mentioned in this episode: Somerset Maugham Interview: https://youtu.be/35zdFvas0uQ?si=5pq6qW357OBt9c2J Don Fernando by W. Somerset Maugham The Names of Christ by Luis de Leon The Interior Castle by St. Theresa of Avila translated and edited by Mirabai Starr The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross translated by Kieran Kavanaugh Richard Rohr: Essential Teachings on Love by Richard Rohr selected and compiled by Joelle Chase and Judy Traeger
In this episode, we explore different mantras that can be used in meditation and how meditation might be useful for us as our contemplative nature grows. This episode includes a reading from Psalm 136. Media mentioned in this episode: Thich Nhat Hanh: Mindful Meditation https://youtu.be/J62F0Y6PKes Center for Action and Contemplation Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org) Turning To the Mystics with James Finley Turning to the Mystics — CAC Podcast with James Finley
What do we need to retrieve from our past so we can advance in peace, likewise, what do we need to address or deal with from our past to promote a healthy future? Sankofa is a word that when translated means return and fetch it. It is an Adinkra (pictogram) symbol of the Asante people of Ghana. With the passing of Juneteenth, I wanted to briefly discuss Sankofa and what it can teach us along with the lessons of King Hezekiah of the Old Testament (who may have authored this week's psalm). Later, I'll sum up with an introduction to my favorite culinary historian and author, Michael W. Twitty.
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Listen on my website HERE Listen on the Buzzsprout website HERE *NOTE: As this episode was in the editing process my hometown experienced an active shooter at one of our park splash pads. Nine people were injured; some are still in critical condition, including an eight-year-old child. I’d like to dedicate this episode to … Continue reading *Prayers without Words with a Poem by Mary Oliver and Psalm 122
Thank you for joining me on Loving the Imperfect! Lately, I've been reading The Earth Has a Soul which is a collection of work from C. G. Jung (pronounced Yoo-ng). It's changing the way I think about our society, so I thought I would share a couple of points Jung made more than half a century ago about America specifically, our culture, our false notion of progress, and our speedy technological advances. He begs us to get back to our instincts, back to our roots, and leave technology behind arguing that it has never saved us the time we thought we needed. It seems everyone is busier than ever nowadays! Join me as we read Psalm 115 which points to idol worship. Is technology modern society's idol, taking precedence over every precious thing in our natural and spiritual lives? Blessings, Brianne Turczynski
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Website Link: The podcast player is located on my blog page or you can Click here to listen on Buzzsprout Click here to listen and read this episode on the blog. Transcript:6 min read Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for laypeople and seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 … Continue reading Enemies Are a Delusion
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Episode Transcript:Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for laypeople and seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years. So I thought it was my turn … Continue reading Episode 17: Silencing All the “Wicked” in the Land
Hello and Welcome to Loving the Imperfect!! Sometimes it can be hard to tell if you're experiencing a toxic environment. The toxicity can disguise itself and sometimes you've been existing in it for so long you can no longer read the signs. Join me as Psalm 94 guides us into this topic, and I tell you a little of my own experience leaving a toxic work environment. Books and Episodes mentioned in this episode: Witness: What I learned from Ellie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger Episode 4: How to Deal with Bullies Thank you for joining me. Please consider sharing and subscribing!
Hello and thank you for tuning in! I'm Brianne Turczynsk, a teacher, an author/journalist, a filmmaker, and a student of mysticism in the Christian tradition. Mysticism is the part of all religions and practices that unifies all people and practices breaking down the walls around our beliefs built by religious dogma. In this episode, we … Continue reading Can Ordinary People Be Holy
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Transcript:Hello and welcome to Loving the Imperfect. I'm Brianne Turczynski, your host. This is a podcast for Christians and others of all beliefs and practices who are sick and tired of dogma and just want peace in the world across all religions and practices. With each episode, I share a brief story and a … Continue reading Is the Spirit Nudging You?
Welcome to Loving the Imperfect! On this week's episode, I will briefly discuss Sufism and Rumi in this episode since Psalm 73 reminded me so much of some of Rumi's poems. For those of you who don't know what Sufism is, this would be a good episode to introduce you to one of the most … Continue reading Intro to Sufism with Rumi and Psalm 73
In this episode, we discuss the Red Sea crossing and the scientific evidence that proves it may have occurred. It's an episode that asks us to notice the miracles in our lives and the Spirit of Love's subtle nudges to glean meaning from everyday life. Books mentioned in this episode:Epic of GilgameshAngels in My Hair by … Continue reading The Parting of the Red Sea: Myth, Miracles, and Message with Psalm 66
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Episode Transcript: Hello and thank you for joining me on Loving the Imperfect. I'm Brianne Turczynski. I am your host. I am a teacher, a writer, an author, I'm a documentarian filmmaker and I started this show to have the classroom I always wanted and to share with you some of my stories, some … Continue reading The Story of a Cure: Anxiety, Depression, and Panic with David and Psalm 59
In this tenth episode, I introduce you to Vita Sackville-West, owner and creator of Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in Kent, England. She was my muse and the voice in my head for many years when I was doing a lot of gardening. I'm happy to tell you a little about her in this episode and share … Continue reading Finding Solace in the Garden with Vita Sackville-West
Thank you for joining me today. Please consider sharing or subscribing! In this episode I talk about leaving the crowd, our comfort zones, to seek what the Spirit is calling you to do. It also includes a brief teaching on the art of detachment. I mention several examples from scripture that speak to this. This … Continue reading Finding Your True People
As Easter is approaching I thought we should take a closer look at Pontius Pilate, a man with whom Jesus is forever entwined. This episode offers a different approach to looking at those embedded in the system of unjust decision-making throughout the world and suggests that we muster up compassion in the most unexpected corners, … Continue reading Loving Pontius Pilate
This episode contains a reading of Psalm 31, a psalm that brings to mind the crucifixion of Jesus. I will share a reading from the poetry of Sappho, a Greek poetess of the year 600 B.C.E. I will compare her work to David's and share some history of this wonderful poet. Later in the episode, we will be blessed by the Mission Sisters of the Holy Spirit. A few years ago I conducted several interviews with these amazing ladies and share with you a special moment from my last meeting with them before COVID. They are religious sisters of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan. Thank you for tuning in to the show. Please consider sharing the show with someone you love and especially with those you are learning to love. : ) Books mentioned in this episode: Sappho translated by Mary Barnard For more information about me and my work, please visit http://www.brianneturczynski.com or http://www.lovingtheimperfect.com
Hi Everyone! I haven’t posted in a long time. I just started an inclusive spirituality podcast called Loving the Imperfect!! Season 1 has begun, and I’m covering every seventh psalm in my weekly episodes. They are published every Thursday at 5am eastern time. You can tune in everywhere podcasts are heard and downloaded! Please consider … Continue reading A Special Episode on Celtic Spirituality
When I was in college my mom and I stayed up until 4 am watching the TV series of The Thorn Birds on VHS. We binge-watched before there was such a thing! However, she says now that the book is way better. I’m sure it probably is, but how could you not love watching Richard … Continue reading The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
“One of Thomas Merton’s favorites among his own books—surely because he had hoped to spend his last years as a hermit.” I have spent a lot of time in the “desert” or in the “wilderness” this past year. I think many, if not all of us have. But it’s how you move in the desert … Continue reading The Wisdom of the Desert by Thomas Merton
I’m so excited for this journey! I have just joined the Anamchara Fellowship as a seeker for Aspirancy. Anamchara is a religious order of disbursed people from all walks of life canonically recognized by the Episcopal Church at large. It is for people who wish to continue their spiritual journey in a community. Together we … Continue reading Intro to the Anamchara Fellowship Community!
This may sound strange, but I’ve been thinking of joining a dispersed religious order for people from all walks of life. That means married people like me can join. This would be a great next step for me in that it would give me a community of folks like me who are intentionally doing everything … Continue reading To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue
Trying to pick a couple easy paperback reads for our trip through spring break. I love travel stories, but the first narrative in this collection is of Mary Rowlandson who, along with her three children, was taken captive by an indigenous tribe while living in Massachusetts in 1675. The first draft was written in her … Continue reading The mystic in all of us…here is an example in a Puritan woman from 1675.
Just started this!! I love St. Teresa of Avila, no one messed with her. If you need human strength, her words can help. I’ve heard this is her book about prayer but as I’m reading it, it seems that it is more about the intentional spiritual journey, the drawing closer to union with God, and … Continue reading The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
Getting into it!! So excited to be reading something beautiful and inspiring again!!My Lenten devotion to meditation is going well, but I had to put down Cynthia Bourgeault’s book on centering prayer, because it was too pragmatic in its thinking about something that really can’t be explained. I think Thomas Keating and she have done … Continue reading Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh
Part of my Lenten devotion was to be more intentional with meditation and prayer. Was able to start reading this last night. Looking forward to getting into it more! It always takes me about a week to think about what devotion I will take into Lent. I’m always coming to the show late after thinking … Continue reading Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault
A well known recommendation from poet Rainer Maria Rilke. It fell out of circulation for a while because Jacobsen’s prose was difficult to translate. This translation, however, by Tiina Nunnally has won awards and so far it’s been an enjoyable read and so incredibly deep. This was Jacobsen’s masterpiece written after he was diagnosed with … Continue reading Niels Lyhne by Jens Peter Jacobsen
My book released yesterday and it’s already sold out online at Barnes and Noble, Target and Amazon! This came as a shock to me, but a lot of people told me they preordered it. I hope its success will continue, and it pays honorable homage to the neighborhood and the people impacted by its razing. … Continue reading My book Detroit’s Lost Poletown—sold out already?!!
My work for the last two years has come to fruition…thank you @historypress for believing in this story!! It officially releases in a week! Available for preorder now!!! Link: http://bit.ly/Poletown Poletown was once a vibrant, ethically diverse neighborhood in Detroit. In its prime, it had a store on every corner. Its theater, restaurants and schools … Continue reading New Book Release 👉👉👉Detroit’s Lost Poletown: The Little Neighborhood that Touched a Nation
You can see I marked Isaiah 55: 9-13. I also placed some leaves from that Fall season two or three years ago that my daughter gave me. But that little pen mark by verse 9: I marked it years ago when I first ventured to read the Bible. I thought these markings would distract me, … Continue reading Mementos & Treasures…
Not the most romantic title, but so far I’m enjoying this piece of fiction by George Preedy (actually a pen name for British Author, Margaret Gabrielle Vere Long Campbell). I haven’t read anything in a while that I looked forward to at the end of the day, so this has been such a pleasure. To … Continue reading General Crack by George Preedy
"…'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'and I will return to you,'…" (Zechariah 1:3) Zechariah is another prophet. He and the prophet Haggai (see yesterday's post) are both trying to encourage the people to complete Jerusalem's temple, but the people keep getting distracted by other things. Sounds a lot like when God calls us … Continue reading The book of Zechariah
In what simple way is God calling you to act that would draw you closer to Him? For me it was spending a year to read and study the Bible. . . These are my own contemplative thoughts. If you disagree with the below that’s ok! . . Before Christ, in the Old Testament, under … Continue reading The Book of Esther
Contemplative Vision by Juliet Benner is a book about contemplating religious art with prayer in mind and using it to expand our prayer life by gazing at the face of God through it, seeing His face and meditating about the art’s purpose/story, and the artist’s time creating it. The book discusses using art as a … Continue reading Contemplative Vision by Juliet Benner
Talk about a cozy book for the season! Prairie Avenue by Arthur Meeker is that! Prairie Avenue was a really fancy neighborhood in Chicago in the early 1900’s. This story highlights the world that goes on behind closed doors—really fancy ones—and in rooms—really fancy ones with large stone fireplaces and indoor gardens. Despite what we … Continue reading Prairie Avenue by Arthur Meeker
https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2319470.rss Welcome to Loving the Imperfect Podcast, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of how … Continue reading Positive Experiences in Vietnam
Happy Valentine's Day! An invitation to remember the loves of our lives whether they are family members or friends.
BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI 