Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life

by Carl McColman

The heart is where the human soul and God meet.

This is what teachings from Scripture and the mystics reveal: the heart is the temple of God within us and within the heart we hold the key to live a truly divine life. But how do we embody the tremendous love available to us, deep in our hearts?

In Eternal Heart, Carl McColman, author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, invites us to create an optimistic, visionary, and imaginative path to personal happiness and fulfillment. Weaving together teachings from the biblical tradition, literature of the mystics, and wisdom of the world's contemplative traditions, McColman engages us in profound, practical exercises for cultivating fuller, more abundant, and more satisfying lives.

The path of Christian Mysticism is a path of both contemplation and action. By unlocking the mysteries in our hearts, we discover a source of divine love deep within us: a power for spiritual growth, and for creating meaningful relationships and working together to change the world for the better.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2021

About the author

Carl McColman writes about the spiritual life, covering topics like mysticism (The Big Book of Christian Mysticism), contemplative prayer (Answering the Contemplative Call), monastic spirituality (Befriending Silence), Celtic traditions (An Invitation to Celtic Wisdom), Paganism (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism), and Wicca (When Someone You Love is Wiccan).

He is also a blogger (www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman) and podcaster(www.encounteringsilence.com) .

Why did Carl McColman, a Catholic author, write books about Paganism? Read the answer here: www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/20...

Reviews

[Paul Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by Carl McColman. I have been following his work since we met at the Wild Goose Festival in Asheville, NC years ago. Carl doesn't just write about the joyful mystical life, but also lives it, as anyone can attest who has met him. This book is for anyone who is new to the contemplative, mystical life or is just interested in how it can help you find more joy in your life. I really resonated with his discussion on how God's gift to us of imagination helps us become true co-creators of this beautiful world we live in. I also loved his chapter on wisdom, it had one of the most fascinating quotes I've ever read by Caryll Houselander. I highly recommend this book!!
Disclosure: Carl is currently my Spiritual Director and I received a free early physical copy of the book for review, but I also purchased the Kindle version myself.

[Jenny Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally contemplative prayer made user friendly! Carl McColman presents a gentle journey narrated in the voice of a kindly friend--a beautiful and simple guide to opening the heart to contemplative prayer and meditation referencing the world's great Christian mystics and contemplatives. Perfect fodder for journaling, "morning pages", or bed time mind-clearing. A book to read or re-read day by day.

[David Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

McColman makes accessible the mystical side of life. He helps his readers see that mysticism isn't simply for hermits living in the woods or deserts, but for you and for me. Pulling from Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic sources (among others) McColman lays out for us the need to find and live in joy. Take up this book and be encouraged to take the mystical path.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Using a lifetime of wisdom and the ideas of Jesus, Thich Nhat Hanh and StarHawk, Carl McColman draws from the blessings of Jesus (Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who grieve...) to explore the life of faith and the depths of the human spirit.
If you are looking for a spirituality that draws on silence and deposits you in the field of increased compassion and love, this is the place to start.
This book is one I will return to again and again.
I recommend it with the highest enthusiasm.
Roger Butts, author, Seeds of Devotion.

[Kim King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl McColman gently reminds us that in all circumstances the face of God surrounds us. As travelers, seekers, or pilgrims, we need only trust where the road takes us. In our divided and agitated world, the gift of joy is ours - a compass leading toward God, love, grace, hope and life. Eternal Heart is simply a fabulous primer for anyone seeking a deeper contemplative practice.

[Ben Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

With writing that cuts to the heart, this book is like a lighthouse for lost souls. In a time of disillusionment, I needed McColman’s depth. Read this book because we all need to plunge into the deep end of the eternal spiritual pool.