Loving the Imperfect

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Loving The Imperfect. This is a special episode for Lent or Good Friday. We will begin by talking a little bit about St. Therese of Lisieux, the 19th century mystic. And afterward I will talk a little bit about what mysticism is because there's a lot of misconception about that.And then afterward, at the very end of this episode is a holy face meditation that I wrote myself, but I encourage you to add to it, using your own imagination, and thinking about what Jesus, through the senses might have experienced on the cross.I hope that you enjoy this episode and that it's fruitful for you and all these episodes will continue to be fruitful for you as you move forward in your spiritual life. Thank you for listening. For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome! This is a virtual writing retreat featuring the work of Lech Walesa. Rhetoric is everywhere, from what we read to what we hear and see. In this retreat we will work with a few different meditations, from artwork, to the work of Cicero, to the Gospel of John, then we will follow the patterns of history in Poland from 1938-1989. The hope is that through these exercises we will begin to see how we process the information given to us on a daily basis, and by the end of this workshop participants will be able (I hope) to see what they are called to do in this moment in history. This is a recording of what I prepared for my church community, St. Philip's Episcopal church and the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. The questions were taken, with permission, from Rhetoric Professor Curry Kennedy of Texas A&M. And one is from the work of interspiritual author Mirabai Starr (Think of the people who have loved you into being), from her book Wild Mercy. All quotes have been given sources within the slides shown. Slides 19 & 21 were quotes found on Wikipedia but fact-checked elsewhere:About SolidarityAll quotes from Lech Walesa not given documentation on the slides were from an interview he did with the Red Cross (Volume 87 Number 857 March 2007, International Review of the Red Cross).  Red Cross InterviewYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/3M_efhiPvLE  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan Mail Today we'll talk about the work of Mirabai Starr, an Inter-spiritual teacher, writer, and translator of the mystics. Mirabai is a well-known teacher of the divine feminine. She has written several books and her translations of St. John of the Cross's poetry as well as St. Teresa of Avila and St. Julian of Norwich's work won her critical acclaim. She is well-versed in the way of all things holy and feminine and wishes to empower women with the simple truth: that we are loved and holy just as we are. St. Philip's Rochester YouTube ChannelMirabai Starr's Website For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailWelcome to season 3 of Loving the Imperfect!Thank you for being patient with me over my long break. Join me this season along with my kindergarten classmate, Erin Grossi, as we introduce and discuss some modern-day prophets, people who, we believe, have at least one thing in common: the prophetic voice. The purpose of this season is to introduce listeners to some new artists and writers. We hope the selection we have for you will inspire you to read, write, and create to be a force of love in the world. Links to cool stuff mentioned on the show:Hold Your Own: Poems by Kae TempestBook of Traps and Lessons Album by Kae TempestOn Connection by Kae TempestOlga Tokarczuk's Divine Cosmos interview with the Paris ReviewKae Tempest Interview with Fe Ferraris: Musik ExpressThe Waste Land by T. S. Eliot read aloudRichard Rohr's Everything Belongs PodcastVersed Community Membership Invitation  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to Loving The Imperfect. Today we'll hear from Terry Gonda, a devout Catholic, who was fired from her position as a music director at a local Catholic church because of her marriage to a woman. Join us today as she shares her story and we hear how a tragic situation like this can evolve and enrich a person's spiritual life. When this story broke in the summer of 2020, it made the pages of both the New York Times and the Associated Press as well as several local news agencies around Detroit. From Terry's bio:In addition to performing, Terry has studied psychological and spiritual growth for over a decade and is an experienced workshop presenter and lecturer. She offers concert/workshop packages for adults, young adults and teens. Venues may choose from existing workshops or work to tailor the experience for particular needs. Terry is a dynamic speaker and presentations are intense, funny, and full of depth.Past workshops have included some or all of the following: practical tools for facing our fears in our everyday lives, tools for putting the healing journey into perspective, and inspirational/educational faith presentations.Terry is also available to run longer retreat type weekends for small to medium size groups. These include a mixture of presentations, creative activities, and time for reflection as well as plenty of fun. Past retreats have included a weekend on "The Wisdom, Power and Beauty of Women".Thank you for listening!This episode concludes season 2. I will be taking a much-needed break. I will return in a couple of months. If you miss me, please listen to some of the past episodes you may have missed. A big thank you to all who have supported the show thus far by listening and commenting. I really appreciate it!Blessings to you,BrianneLinks mentioned:Servant's EntranceTerry Gonda's Website My Documentary NOT FOR SALE: A Witness Story#prayer #LBGTQ #Inclusive #religion #catholic #bible #mystical #mystic #theology #mysticism #music #art #love #christianity #peace #community For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailToday we'll hear from Father Eric Williams, the priest of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Rochester. He's going tell us about his journey being an Episcopal priest. This interview is more of a conversation, so you'll hear a lot more of me in this interview, and it's a longer interview than most of my others.So, I hope you enjoy this episode, and you get a lot out of it.Thank you for joining me today.#bible #biblestudy #priest #religious #retreat #prayer #god #jesus #meditation #podcast #love For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan Mail Today we'll hear from 90-year-old Dr. Daniel White, a local physician in this area, well known and well-liked by everyone.He was drafted into the Vietnam War as part of a MILPHAT team and spent some time in Vietnam with the civilians.Unlike most men who were drafted, Dr. White had a positive experience, and the friendships he made with the civilians has lasted a lifetime. Thank you for joining me.For more information about me and my work, please visit www.lovingtheimperfect.com#vietnamvet #veteran #war #americanhistory #story #bible #prayer #podcast #vietnam #military For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailToday we will hear from a 17-year-old local high school student who wishes to remain anonymous. He is very interested in space, and as of right now, he wants to be an astrophysicist. Despite all you'll hear in this interview, this student is still afraid that he will not get into college. What's really inspiring about his story, apart from his tremendous knowledge about space, is that he struggled in the first part of his high school career with his grades. He says that he was a blow off and he did try very hard. But it's unfortunate in our school systems that we do base so much of a student's goodness on the letter grade they receive. He had an epiphany where he had to change his perspective on everything.  I hope that you enjoy this episode. Thank you for joining me. #podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #space #celestial #planets #Nasa #spacex #blackholes #mandelbrotset #math #einstein For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Loving the Imperfect. Today, we'll hear a story from Dr. Rick Maibauer. He is the first person to perform a total joint replacement in Ghana, West Africa. So, we're going to hear his story today. Another exercise, again, in deep listening. This is a good exercise for us. I hope you enjoy this story. Thank you for joining me. For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to this week's episode! Born during World War II in England, Ged Youngman tells the story of her life as a nurse attending both dying children and healthy babies as a midwife. Later in the United States, she spent much of her time helping her church and overseeing many ministries. She has attended my parish, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, for 35 years. For this reason, I have known her practically my whole life. Growing up, she was essential to my spiritual life because she was involved in everything, from Vacation Bible School to the Episcopal diocesan camp called Gordonwood, where I spent three happy summers in my youth.Ged was recently diagnosed with interstitial pulmonary disease, her lungs only have a small portion of healthy tissue, so the noise in the background of this episode is her oxygen machine.For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #nursing #England  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to Loving the Imperfect. Today we are hearing a story from Kenny Asewe. Kenny is the founder of At Home Music here in Rochester, he is going to tell us a really touching story about his mother, how she passed away, and some details of her funeral. He will also share with us three ways that God showed him and reassured him that she was in a better place and that she was at peace, which is something Kenny said that he really needed to know in order to be able to really grieve and move on. It is the story of a mother that was very loved by her children. I think during Advent, we want to spend time remembering Mary, who was the mother of Jesus, and the sacrifices that Mary made. And so, Kenny is going to share with us a story of his mother and the sacrifices that she made for her children.  Today’s story is an exercise in deep listening. Deep listening is when we listen to someone else’s story with the ears of our hearts, with compassion. Kenny speaks virtually the entire episode, because he is simply telling us a story. Because he was born in Kenya and raised there speaking Swahili and English, he has retained his beautiful accent. I recommend those of you who have trouble understanding accents or who are hard of hearing to read along with the transcript.   Enjoy!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #kenya #africa #mothers #advent For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailToday we will hear from respected music composer, spiritual leader, singer and retreat director, Gregory Norbet, who also spent 21 years as a Benedictine monk at the Weston Priory in Vermont. I'm honored to be able to speak with him today. I hope you enjoy this interview.You can visit his website at www.gregorynorbet.org .Songs on this episode: Choir of Angels and Hosea, both written and performed by Gregory Norbet.   If you stick around at the end of this interview, Gregory has been generous enough to allow me to record some of his music. Thank you for listening! Please consider subscribing or leaving a review.For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #benedictinemonk #music #musiccomposition  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThe SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a tanker that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on November 10th, 1975. It was carrying 29 crewmen and 26,000 tons of taconite pellets. According to Mr. Mixter, the storm that evening wasn't the worst to hit the Great Lakes, but the ‘Fitz’ took on seven different storms that year and Captain McSorley overestimated the reliability of his ship, thinking it could withstand anything. Unfortunately, on that fateful night, the tanker sank so quickly no mayday was sounded; it took all 29 crewmen with it. Mysteriously, not a single body was found. In this incredible interview, Ric talks about the Edmund Fitzgerald, recalling his dive to the famous wreck, and how he and his crew are the only explorers to have spotted and documented a body found with the wreck.Thank you for joining me! Please consider subscribing or writing a review. New episodes are uploaded biweekly. News Report about the discovery: Edmund Fitzgerald Crewman DiscoveredRic Mixter's new book can be found by following the link below...Tattletale Sounds — Lake FuryFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #interviews #edmundfitzgerald #shipwreck #ricmixter #michigan #michiganshipwrecks #michiganhistory #spirituality #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Biblereading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to Loving the Imperfect. Today we will speak to world-class figure skater Nancy Jones about her decision to quit skating for the U. S. team with the faith that God was leading her in a different direction. In 1961 the plane carrying her teammates to the World Competition crashed in Brussels. Join me as we talk to Nancy about this event and how God has since been with her all her life. For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #figureskating #competitiveskating More information about me and my work can be found at www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the first episode for Season Two of Loving the Imperfect, a show for seekers of deeper contemplation. I'm your host Brianne Turczynski. For 10 years, I've been studying offerings from holy teachers and holy texts. I'm a journalist who has listened to the stories of many people throughout the years, and I continue to be captivated by the stories of how God touches the lives of us ordinary people, how God nudges and directs us, either by closing doors or opening them, making the mystery of coincidence, more of a mystery. So, join me as we listen to these extraordinary stories and become witnesses to the truth of Love. Today's episode we will be talking to Rad Jones. Rad Jones is a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. He started his career as a police officer then joined the Secret Service where he served on the presidential detail for six US presidents, from Kennedy to Reagan. He also taught criminal justice at Michigan State University and led security operations at Ford Motor company. In this episode, we sit with Mr. Jones and hear how his career in law enforcement kept him focused on God and steered his life a certain way, leading him to be a more compassionate law enforcement officer, secret service agent, and friend. New episodes air bi-weekly every Wednesday. Thanks for tuning in!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #interviews #sercretservice #USpresidents #unitedstatespresidents #presidentialhistory For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThank you for joining me again for season one's finale episode. Today I'll read Psalm 150, the very last psalm in the book of Psalms and I will share why I started this podcast. I will take a break for a few weeks while I work on some writing projects. Tune back in around the end of September or the beginning of October. Media to look at this episode:Take a look at the Sistine Chapel painting, The Creation of Adam. "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo - An In-Depth Analysis (artincontext.org)Keep up with my work or contact me anytime at www.lovingtheimperfect.comor follow me at @lovingtheimperfect on InstagramFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIn 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=5pq6qW357OBt9c2JDon Fernando by W. Somerset MaughamThe Names of Christ by Luis de LeonThe Interior Castle by St. Theresa of Avila translated and edited by Mirabai StarrThe Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by HerselfThe Collected Works of St. John of the Cross translated by Kieran KavanaughRichard Rohr: Essential Teachings on Love by Richard Rohr selected and compiled by Joelle Chase and Judy Traeger For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #richardrohr #saintteresaofavila #stjohnofthecross #mirabaistarr #spain #goldenages For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore different mantras that can be used in meditation and how meditation might be useful for us as our contemplative nature grows. This episode includes a reading from Psalm 136.Media mentioned in this episode:Thich Nhat Hanh: Mindful Meditationhttps://youtu.be/J62F0Y6PKesCenter for Action and ContemplationCenter for Action and Contemplation (cac.org)Turning To the Mystics with James FinleyTurning to the Mystics — CAC Podcast with James Finley #podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticismFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailWhat 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. Books mentioned in this episode:The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty https://a.co/d/0cvm7z7PRice: a Savor the South cookbook by Michael W. Twitty https://a.co/d/00A6khtPFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #michaelwtwitty #culinaryhistory #Blackhistory For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome back!Today's episode includes a reading from Psalm 122 and a poem from Mary Oliver called INVITATION. Did you know that sometimes we pray without knowing it? Not only that but there are many different ways to pray without using words. Join me as we discuss the myriad different ways we pray. What are some ways that you pray without words? Books/Film mentioned in this episode:Red Bird a collection of poems by Mary OliverHarold and Maude--1971 Romantic Dark Comedy Film (The soundtrack is great too all Cat Stevens songs)Luke 24:13-35NOTE: As this episode was in the editing process my hometown experienced an active shooter at one of our park splash pads. Nine people were injured, some are still in critical condition, including an eight-year-old child.  I’d like to dedicate this episode to the victims of that tragedy. Please hold them in your prayers along with all of the response personnel and the gunman who ended his life immediately afterward. Any Questions? Email me at [email protected] or visit my website (below) for the full transcript and images of the books mentioned.For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #maryoliver #poetry For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThank you for joining me on Loving the Imperfect! Lately, I've been reading The Earth Has a Soul which is a collection of work from C. G. Jung (pronounced Yoo-ng. I realized my pronunciation in this episode is slightly off--I said 'Young'. I'm sorry for that). It's changing the way I think about our society, so I thought I would share a couple of points Jung made more than half a century ago about America specifically, our culture, our false notion of progress, and our speedy technological advances.  He begs us to get back to our instincts, back to our roots, and leave technology behind arguing that it has never saved us the time we thought we needed. It seems everyone is busier than ever nowadays!Join me as we read Psalm 115 which points to idol worship. Is technology modern society's idol, taking precedence over every precious thing in our natural and spiritual lives? Blessings,Brianne TurczynskiBooks Mentioned in this Episode:The Earth Has a Soul: C.G. Jung on Nature, Technology and Modern Life compiled and edited by Meredith SabiniFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #CGJung #Nature #environment #mentalhealth #psychology #psychotherapy  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThank you for joining me again this week! Can an ‘us versus them’ mentality ever be helpful for human relationships? What do you think?  My answer to this question is included in this brief episode along with a reading from Psalm 108! Please consider subscribing or sharing. Join me next week for Psalm 115!If you’d like to give me your opinion on this question, drop me a line! Send me some Fan mail or drop me a message on Instagram or email me via my website by clicking this link: Let’s Get In Touch! – BRIANNE TURCZYNSKI For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.comBlessings, Brianne#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailPsalm 101 is a Psalm from David written at the beginning of his reign. At this time David is unsure of himself as a worthy leader. I think we all feel like this sometimes, whether it's a leadership role through parenthood, our occupations, or even how we lead ourselves, we all have moments when we feel unworthy of the task. In this episode, I will show you a guiding light to help us silence all the wicked in the land, the voices of doubt and negativity. With some advice from spiritual teachers  Ram Dass and Julia Cameron, we can learn how to let our traumas rest with us.  Books/Authors Mentioned in this Episode:The Artist's Way by Julia CameronBe Here Now by Ram DassMusic and Meditations Albums: Ram Dass by Ram Dass and East ForestFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism #ramdass For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and Welcome to Loving the Imperfect!!Sometimes it can be hard to tell if you're experiencing a toxic environment.  The toxicity can disguise itself and sometimes you've been existing in it for so long you can no longer read the signs. Join me as Psalm 94 guides us into this topic, and I tell you a little of my own experience leaving a toxic work environment.  Books and Episodes mentioned in this episode:Episode 4: How to Deal with BulliesWitness: What I learned from Ellie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel BurgerCentering Prayer and Inner Awakening  by Cynthia BourgeaultIntimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer  by Thomas KeatingThank you for joining me.Please consider sharing and subscribing!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHow can you tell if the Holy Spirit is nudging you? In this episode along with a reading from the 87th Psalm, I'll tell the story of Nicodemus from the Book of John Chapter 3. This is one of my favorite scenes from the Bible, and it's one scene that brings to us the evidence that Jesus was a mystic and suggested that Nicodemus look at the holy teachings through a mystical lens. Books Mentioned in This Episode:The Book of JohnFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticism For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHello and thank you for tuning in! I'm Brianne Turczynsk, a teacher, an author/journalist, a filmmaker, and a student of mysticism in the Christian tradition. Mysticism is the part of all religions and practices that unifies all people and practices, breaking down the walls around our beliefs built by religious dogma. Mysticism bypasses dogma and invites everyone to the same table. In this episode, we cover Psalm 80 and discuss what it is to be holy, and how we can walk daily carrying the truth of our holiness and that of everyone we meet, including our coworkers and employees. I also talk a bit about gratitude, and how saying thank you can help bring you back to your center.In our next episode, we'll cover Psalm 87.Blessings,BrianneFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study #LBGTQ #queer #Meditation #mysticism #gratitude For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Loving the Imperfect! On this week's episode, I will briefly discuss Sufism and Rumi in this episode since Psalm 73 reminded me so much of some of Rumi's poems. For those of you who don't know what Sufism is, this would be a good episode to introduce you to one of the most mystical orders of Islam. It is an episode that reminds us to love each other and ourselves just the way we are. Blessings, BrianneBooks mentioned in this episode:Sufism: Transformation of the Heart by Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeHafiz: The GiftRumi Unseen Poems by Mevlana Rumi For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study #muslim #Islam #God #poetry #rumi #hafiz #sufism #mystic For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we discuss the Red Sea crossing and the scientific evidence that proves it may have occurred.  It's an episode that asks us to notice the miracles in our lives and the Spirit of Love's subtle nudges to glean meaning from everyday life. Books mentioned in this episode:Epic of GilgameshAngels in My Hair by Lorna ByrneNo, really: There is a scientific explanation for the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus - The Washington PostFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #lornabyrne #angels  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIf talking about these topics is a trigger for you, please skip this episode. In this episode, I'll take you into the wilderness with me and talk more about my experience with the anxiety and panic attacks I endured for seven years. I will share the story of how I cured myself of them in the hope that this episode might help anyone out there listening who is dealing with this too. In Psalm 59, David speaks to God of his fright because his house is being watched by Saul. This is the same kind of fear during any kind of mental trauma, fear of when it may strike us again and the burden of always carrying it everywhere we go. I hope this episode helps to free some of you.  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study #anxietycure #anxiety #depression #meditation #trauma For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIn 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 a reading from one of her garden books about olive trees. In Psalm 52, David compares himself to an olive tree, so we will talk a little about olive trees and hear about their appearance in the holy texts of the world. Thank you again for joining me and allowing me the space to share a little of my story.  I hope it inspires you and brings you peace.Blessings.Books mentioned in this episode:The QuranMore For Your Garden by Vita Sackville-WestNotes From Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #vitasackvillewest #garden #gardener #flowers #Islam #muslim For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThank 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 episode also includes a reading from Psalm 45 which inspired the subject for this episode, Finding Your True People.  Books mentioned in this episode:Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #meditation #thichnhathanh For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailAs Easter is approaching I thought we should take a closer look at Pontius Pilate, a man with whom Jesus is forever entwined. This episode offers a different approach to looking at those embedded in the system of unjust decision-making throughout the world and suggests that we muster up compassion in the most unexpected corners, breaking down our dualist patterns.  It also includes a reading from Psalm 38. Books mentioned in this episode:Falling Upward by Richard RohrThank you so much for listening. Please consider sharing or subscribing!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #richardrohr #christianmystic For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThis 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 BarnardFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #ancienthistory #poetry #ancientgreekhistory #lesbian #lbgtq #queer For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan Mail Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you who celebrate. We are going to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some readings of John O'Donohue and end with a Celtic blessing. We dive into Psalm 24 and talk about God knocking on our ancient doors. I'll cover a brief history of St. Patrick and reveal the mystical ways of Celtic Spirituality. Today's show is dedicated to all of you missing your homeland. Thank you for joining me. Books mentioned in this episode: To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'DonohueAnam Cara by John O'DonohueWalking in Wonder by John O'DonohueCeltic Daily Prayers: Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria CommunityThis episode is available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Iu0uuql6qTE?si=vSMBMMDetcN7xImwFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study #celtic #celticspirituality #stpatricksday For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, I share a reading from Psalm 17 and we get to know the Psalmist David as an author, poet, and fellow sailor navigating the stormy seas of life. I'll take one verse from Psalm 17: "Show me the wonders of your great love," and I'll suggest that, though David is asking this of God, we ask this of each other. In other words, how are we living with passion? Thank you for joining me!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #trauma  For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHow do we deal with a bully? In this episode, I talk about compassion while bringing in my own story along with the work of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the late Archbishop Desmund Tutu of South Africa, and Ariel Burger. For further reading check out The Book of Joy edited by Douglas Abrams and Witness: What I Learned from Elie Wiesel's Classroom by Ariel Burger. Thank you for tuning in!!For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #eliewiesel #dalailama #archbishop #desmundtutu For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHow do we see God in our enemies? How do we move toward peace with someone who has done something atrocious? Join me for a little reflection on breaking our hearts for peace in today's episode. For more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailHave you been traumatized by religion? In today's episode, I'll tell my personal story about religious trauma and the impact it had on my life. I'll also read the first Psalm as we begin our journey through the Psalms together. Each week I will read every seventh Psalm with a story from my personal experiences to go with it. Thank you for listening! For more information about me and my work please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Bible study For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com

Send us Fan MailThis is our pilot episode on Psalm 47. Why start there? Because that's where I happened to be in my daily psalm readings. This, completely off-the-cuff, and unrehearsed episode explores the creative heart and gives listeners a taste of what's to come in future episodes. It will only get more imperfect from here. Thank you for listening!#podcast #spirituality #episcopal #history #prayer #love #ministry #interviews #christianity #contemplative #meditation #Bible #Bible reading #religion #Biblestudy #christianmystic #mysticismFor more information about me and my work, please visit www.BrianneTurczynski.com or www.LovingTheImperfect.com For more information about me and my work, please visit www.brianneturczynski.com or www.lovingtheimperfect.com