Talk · Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr — It's All about Presence | Conspire 2014
Rohr on presence as the core practice underlying all contemplative work.
Overview
What does christian mysticism point to?
Christian mysticism refers to contemplative currents within Christianity that emphasise direct, often wordless encounter with the divine, alongside scripture, liturgy and communal life.
Figures and practices span many centuries and traditions, from desert monasticism to contemporary centring prayer, united by an interest in silence, surrender and inner transformation.
In the stillness beneath the words, something is already listening.A central question within Christian mysticism
Teachers
Voices within this tradition.
Compare background, approach and format before choosing a teacher to follow.
CM
Energy medicine · Archetypes
Caroline Myss
Author and speaker known as a 'medical intuitive', working at the intersection of energy medicine, psychology and spirituality.
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Franciscan contemplation
Richard Rohr
Franciscan friar and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, largely retired from teaching after a cancer diagnosis.
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Christian contemplation
James Finley
Clinical psychologist and former student of Thomas Merton, teaching Christian contemplative practice through the Center for Action and Contemplation.
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Wisdom tradition · Centring prayer
Cynthia Bourgeault
Episcopal priest and teacher of centring prayer, working within the Christian contemplative Wisdom tradition of the Work of Inner Christianity.
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Christian mystic translation
Mirabai Starr
American writer and translator of Christian mystics such as St. John of the Cross and Teresa of Ávila, teaching within an interfaith contemplative frame.
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Gratefulness practice
David Steindl-Rast
Austrian-American Benedictine monk known as the 'grandfather of gratitude', now living in contemplative retirement at Europakloster Gut Aich.
View profile →Upcoming events
Upcoming christian mysticism events.
Retreats, dialogues and online gatherings connected to this tradition.
No upcoming events are currently listed for this tradition.
Talks & videos
Selected talks.
Talks and conversations from teachers within this tradition.
Talk · Caroline Myss
It's Time to Imagine Something New
A more recent talk on imagination as a key to change, representative of her current voice.
Talk · Cynthia Bourgeault
The Roots of Hope Run Deep: Cynthia Bourgeault
A talk on contemplative hope, grounded in the Christian Wisdom tradition.
Talk · David Steindl-Rast
Want to be happy? Be grateful | David Steindl-Rast
Brother David's widely watched TED talk on gratefulness as a practice, not just a feeling.
Talk · Mirabai Starr
Mirabai Starr on mysticism for everyone | The Spiritual Life Podcast
A podcast conversation on making mystical texts accessible beyond specialist circles.
Talk · Caroline Myss
Understanding Your Own Power
A core theme in her work — personal power and responsibility as the starting point for healing and growth.
Talk · Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr on The Universal Christ
Rohr introduces the central idea of his book The Universal Christ, from a Franciscan contemplative view.
Talk · Cynthia Bourgeault
Cynthia Bourgeault on Christian Nonduality — The Heart of Centering Prayer
Bourgeault connects centring prayer to a non-dual reading of the Christian contemplative tradition.
Talk · David Steindl-Rast
Brother David Steindl-Rast: The Essence of Grateful Living | Super Soul Sunday | Full Episode | OWN
A Super Soul Sunday conversation on gratefulness as a daily practice.
Talk · James Finley
Non-Dual Consciousness in Daily Life (Part One) — James Finley
Finley on bringing non-dual, contemplative awareness into ordinary daily life.
Talk · James Finley
A Happy Run Downward With James Finley
A contemplative reflection drawing on Finley's training with Thomas Merton.
Talk · Mirabai Starr
Divine Feminine Blessing | 3-Minute Meditation with Mirabai Starr
A short guided meditation drawing on the Divine Feminine within the Christian mystical tradition.
Discernment
Clarity should include the human context.
Contemplative practice can surface deep material. Spiritual direction is traditionally paired with pastoral or psychological support when needed.
Ask about contextIs a statement philosophical, meditative, relational or practical?
Notice powerHow are authority, money, intimacy and complaints handled?
Include embodimentDoes the teaching make room for emotion, the body and nervous-system limits?
Keep agencyA useful teacher supports clear choice rather than demanding surrender of judgement.