Thought for the Day

[qos]

I'm listening to an audio book by Tessa Bielecki, a Carmelite nun who is an expert on St. Theresa of Avila. The lecture is called "Passion for God: The Path of the Bridal Mystic" and I strongly recommend it to anyone who is involved in a Western mystical path, and/or who love Theresa, John of the Cross, Rumi, Mirabai, or other mystics who celebrate the relationship with the Divine as the Beloved. I started listening to the tapes in the car today during my commute, and have been completely captivated by what she has to say. It certainly speaks directly to where I am now in my life. (I went looking for this particular author because my spiritual director recommended her to me. He was right on target.)

My favorite brief quote is this:

Mysticism is not disguised sex.
Sex is disguised mysticism.

It's 5:00 and I'm home on time, but I'm still so tired that my brain isn't hitting on all cylinders. I'll try to describe more of Bielecki's thoughts and my own responses a little later. In the meantime, I do think many of you who read this journal would enjoy the tapes.

Comments

[aerden.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I will definitely go look for this book, as mysticism interests me deeply. I didn't realize that anyone in this day and age was still practicing bridal mysticism.

Chantal

[qos.livejournal.com]

Bielecki has other books out, but I think this particular work is available only on tape. If you find a book, would you let me know?

[saskia139.livejournal.com]

I have a book of hers called Holy Daring in which she addresses a lot of the same things, and she includes that very quote--which I also love, as I'm sure you could guess. She's an engaging writer and seems like a very warm, likable personality.

[qos.livejournal.com]

I've just bought that book. It's sitting on my desk next to the pile of others I need to read.