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
Tag: photography
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.
Finding Solace in the Garden with Vita Sackville-West
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
Finding Your True People
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
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
A Special Episode on Celtic Spirituality
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
To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue
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
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
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
Ruusbroec and his Mysticism by Paul Verdeyen
Jan Ruusbroec was a Flemish mystic of the Middle Ages. This book is only an introduction to his work and life. He was a man who only wrote when the spirit moved him to do so. He would walk into the forest to be alone often taking a tablet with him in case the spirit … Continue reading Ruusbroec and his Mysticism by Paul Verdeyen
The book of Malachi
True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many [to a union with God].” (Malachi 2:6) There is no doubt that to know God better, is to finally have peace. I never knew true peace in my life until … Continue reading The book of Malachi










