In this week's episode we explore Brother Lawrence and The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence epitomizes the intimacy with God that Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross sought for themselves and others.

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The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is available in plain English for the contemporary reader in print and ebook.

In this week's episode we explore John of the Cross and engage some of her thinking. John is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God.

Steve and Tim discuss the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit in the context of spiritual maturation and the attainment of authentic intimacy with God.

From The Dark Night on the the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit, by John of the Cross.

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In this week's episode we explore Teresa of Avila and engage some of her thinking. Teresa is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God.

Steve and Tim discuss spiritual growth, intimacy with God, and the role of mysticism in spirituality, drawing from the teachings of Teresa of Avila. They explore the ‘Interior Castle’ metaphor and the importance of personal experience in spiritual development.

Here's the key quote from the episode:

"It is as if the soul were a garden in which the Lord Himself delights to walk, and He enters it not by steps, but at a single bound, and takes possession of the will, which is the gate by which He enters. And how He enters, I cannot explain. But the soul is very well aware of His presence. It is not a vision; there is neither image nor form. But the soul feels Him so clearly that it cannot possibly doubt that He is there. It is a presence so certain that it is impossible to describe it in words."

From The Interior Castle on the Fourth Mansion, by Teresa of Avila.

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This conversation delves into the complexities of intimacy in relationships, both human and divine. The speakers explore how genuine intimacy requires effort and presence from both parties, emphasizing the importance of being fully engaged in the moment. They discuss the challenges of maintaining intimacy, the significance of recognizing absence, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with God. The dialogue also touches on the nuances of spiritual practices and the need for a relational approach to spirituality, moving beyond mere transactional interactions to foster genuine connection.

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Thank you for all the listens, encouragements, and support for the Podcast of the Urban Mystic. This is just a short year-end message to say thank you and let you know that we're taking a short break. We'll be back early in the new year.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and peace to all.

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the journey from a surface-level relationship with God to a profound, authentic connection characterized by honesty and self-awareness. The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining an authentic relationship with oneself, others, and God within the often performative context of religious environments.

Our host shares personal experiences of confronting the discomfort of church practices that prioritize appearances over genuine emotional expression. This leads to a deeper discussion on the importance of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to break through the facade of perfectionism.

Listeners are invited to consider the impact of externalizing emotions and the potential for growth when one turns inward to understand personal anger, sadness, and the desire for authenticity. The episode also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence—or lack thereof—in a real and tangible way, moving beyond faith-based assertions to a more experiential understanding of spirituality.

Join us on this journey of introspection and discover how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life, where honesty and authenticity become the foundation of our relationships with ourselves, others, and the divine.

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Welcome to the podcast of The Urban Mystic, a show dedicated to helping individuals understand and develop a practice of the presence of God. Our mission is to shift relationships from faith and distance to deep, nurturing, and fulfilling connections characterized by mutual desire and closeness. This podcast is for anyone seeking an intimate relationship with God, whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of creating authentic intimacy with God and ourselves. Starting with a humorous reflection on the superficiality often found in religious practices, we explore the deeper, more meaningful ways to connect. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful dialogue, we discuss the importance of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and the willingness to face our inner selves.

We examine the challenges of recognizing God's presence, the necessity of being attuned to our own emotions, and the transformative power of genuine self-awareness. This conversation invites listeners to embrace the uncertainties of their spiritual journey, encouraging a practice of radical hospitality towards oneself and the divine.

If you enjoy this episode, we invite you to like the episode and leave a comment, to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider, and to contribute to the work of The Urban Mystic by following the link to PayPal in the show notes or the QR code on our website.

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In this episode, we delve into the intricate concept of practicing presence, particularly focusing on the presence of God. We explore the multiple dimensions of practice, including intention and awareness, and how these elements can enhance our spiritual lives.

Our conversation touches on the importance of being present to oneself, to others, and to God, drawing parallels to human relationships and the complexity involved in truly connecting. We discuss the different models of spirituality—faith, mystery, and a proposed third model that emphasizes a more intimate, relational approach.

Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogues, we unpack the nuances of discerning God's tangible presence and the challenges that come with it. This episode encourages listeners to engage in a practice that is both deeply personal and relational, aiming to cultivate a genuine connection with the divine.

Join us as we navigate the journey of spiritual practice, balancing the simplicity and complexity of being present in our relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

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