Entering the Mystical Path: Spain’s Golden Age & W. Somerset Maugham with Psalm 143

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

Approaching our Past: Sankofa and What it Can Teach Us

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.

King David and Sappho of Lesbos: A Happy Comparison

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