Cynthia on the “State of Emergence” Podcast with Terry Patten

Spiritual Mettle and the Good Company of the Holy: A conversation with Cynthia Bourgeault

In September 2020, Cynthia joined Terry Patten to explore what it is to live and imagine from the “eye of the heart” in a seemingly apocalyptic world. They reflected on how each of them is relating to death and also discovering new strength and guidance by keeping the company of saints, sages, and our courageous ancestors — one of the most important spiritual fruits of awakening into the “imaginal realm.” Cynthia suggests we aspire to “live the laws of the next world,” like those who began building great cathedrals they knew they wouldn’t live to see completed.

Some questions explored include:

  • Can we become so intimate with our inevitable death, that we become impartial, courageous, and more profoundly alive?
  • How can we “keep the good company” of the great contemplatives and our now-deceased mentors during times of darkness?
  • How can we “live the laws of the next world” and become the “strange attractors” of wisdom to which others can gravitate?
  • What is the imaginal realm according to Christian mysticism? How might we learn to see with “the eye of the heart”?

Click here to listen to the episode and to learn more about their discussion.