Carl “Skye” McColman

So very honored to announce that an essay I wrote will be included in the upcoming book to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shalem Institute! The book will be called “Soul Food” and my essay is called “God’s Pronouns.” My friend Lerita Coleman Brown also has an essay in it. You can learn more about the book by visit my blog at www.anamchara.com! #books #bookstagram #shalem #contemplation #writing #spirituality (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqPRPguuheF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Whether your spirituality is Pagan, or Christian, or a little bit of each (which makes you very Celtic indeed): Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! #books #bookstagram #wisdom #Celtic #spirituality (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5GhJiOTcX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So I gave a talk at the @writing_for_your_life Conference on “Writing as a Contemplative Practice.” Here I am, talking like I normally do with my eyes closed. It’s an introvert thing. Photos by the incomparable @kateradnc and T-Shirt but the exquisitely wonderful @franv.mccolman. Belly courtesy of too much chocolate. #writing #contemplation #spirituality #ThomasMerton #icedye (at Candler School of Theology - Emory University) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpinbAbuzYy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

At the Writing for Your Life Conference — three Broadleaf authors! @broadleafbooks @carolineoakes @sophfronia.Scott @carlmccolman @writing_for_your_life (at Candler School of Theology - Emory University) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpc8YwJuQTL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

In this digital age, I don’t often get written up in traditional print newspapers — so I still get a thrill when it happens. Here’s a recent story, coinciding with a talk I gave yesterday at Christ Episcopal Church on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Many thanks to Lindsey Adkison of the Brunswick News for a great interview! @ssiashtangi @christchurchfrederica @rasash18 https://www.instagram.com/p/CpJ4Y7rujm_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

You could chalk it up to me reading Thomas Merton, or Tilden Edwards, or maybe even Alan Watts — among others — but from the time I was in graduate school, I have been a Christian deeply interested in the dharma, especially Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. Zen is like Christian mysticism: you can’t learn it from a book. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy reading some of the amazing books by insightful scholars, practitioners and teachers who share their wisdom and insight with the world. Here’s some of my favorite books on Zen. Some of these are pretty old now (“Three Pillars” was first published sixty years ago) but like all great spiritual classics, they just seem to age like a fine wine. And as much as I love the convenience of reading ebooks, there’s nothing like a beautifully designed and typeset book that can be read without worrying about running down the battery. #Zen #Buddhism #books #bookstagram #wisdom #classics #insight #meditation #contemplation #classics #spirituality #dharma #zazen (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-dBI9O-DY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I had lunch today with my good friend, Reverend Jennifer Sacks of Unity Atlanta, and we showed up for our meeting both wearing Fran McColman originals! @franv.mccolman @unityatlanta (at First Watch - Peachtree Corners) https://www.instagram.com/p/Covb9vSuAEm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: being published by @BroadleafBooks is like getting to sit with the cool kids in the cafeteria. Broadleaf’s authors and titles cover a wide terrain — including these wonderful books, all of which have a strong contemplative/spiritual focus:
“What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk With Howard Thurman” by Lerita Coleman Brown “Practice the Pause: Jesus’ Contemplative Practice, New Brain Science, and What it Means to be Fully Human” by Caroline Oakes “Practice of the Presence: A Revolutionary Translation of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection” by Carmen Acevedo Butcher “Hope Leans Forward: Braving Your Way Toward Simplicity, Awakening and Peace” by Valerie Brown And, sitting at the table with the cool kids: “Eternal Heart: the Mystical Path to a Joyful Life” by yours truly! #books #bookstagram #spirituality #Christianity #contemplative #mystical #wisdom #prayer #publishing @peaceforhearts @BroadleafBooks @carolineoakes @cab_phd @valerie.lbrown (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoOKoTsOY9s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Just keep breathing! (at Decatur, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoAQ3ICuqeb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s official! The NEW Big Book of Christian Mysticism will be published by @broadleafbooks this coming August! This completely revised and significantly expanded second edition of my boook on Christian mysticism offers a more comprehensive and practice-centered approach to the topic. Even if you’ve read the first edition, I believe you’ll want to read and enjoy this new version. To learn more, and to pre-order your copy, click on this link in my bio. #books #bookstagram #mysticism #ChristianMysticism #spirituality #wisdom #contemplation #meditation #mystical #prayer #BroadleafBooks (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnp0gUnOhLv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Look who stopped by on his way to Asheville? (at CAVA) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnk0othublT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Friends, I am so excited that my next book will be released this summer — so this coming Thursday I will be officially announcing it (and revealing the cover art) on Zoom! I’ll also be sharing some of the contemplative wisdom of one of my favorite 20th century mystics, Evelyn Underhill. No charge to attend but you need to pre-register. Cut and paste this link: https://www.tinyurl.com/McColman2023 #books #bookstagram #spirituality #mysticism #contemplation #Christianity #Christianspirituality #Christianmysticism #contemplative #contemplativeprayer (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnZTui2OfZP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Evelyn Underhill was one of the great mystics of the 20th century. I’m leading a free online program on January 19 for anyone who would like to dive deeper into her wisdom. Please visit my blog at www.autumncarl.com for more information. #mysticism #wisdom #spirituality #contemplativepractice (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDH787uWBA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I am definitely what I would call “fashion challenged.” But at least, especially as I get older, I am comfortable wearing what I like, and if it makes me look dorky or dowdy or old fashioned or whatever, so be it. I have no idea if turtlenecks are in style or not. I just know that I like them! P.S. background by FaceApp. (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm_r_TmOkBo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This year for Christmas, Santa brought Fran a My Intent Maker Kit — a tool for creating these simple bracelets for carrying a word that represents your intent or goal or aspiration. On New Year’s Eve she and I and a few friends chose our words for 2023. Mine, as you can see, is “Trust” @franv.mccolman @myintent #trust #myintent #affirmation #word (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm-r-8Fudsn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s cold outside — 9 degrees Fahrenheit here in Atlanta this morning! This coat doesn’t often get used, but yesterday and today were the days! Merry Christmas, everyone – and stay warm! (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmjoaMLOdjQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Liturgical Press just keeps publishing wonderful books! Here are two that are hot off the press and well worth a look. “Welcome All as Christ” is for anyone in parish leadership who seeks to make their local faith community a joyful place where newcomers are, in the words of Saint Benedict, “received as Christ.” Meanwhile, Philip Sheldrake’s “A World Transfigured” certainly speaks my language, as a new contribution to mystical theology. Jumping off of Karl Rahner, the book considers mysticism over the lifespan in terms of five dimensions: love and desire, knowing and unknowing, wonder and beauty, everyday practice, and the mystic as a radical prophet. All of this is much to my ears, I’m eager to curl up with a nice warm cup of herbal tea and have a nice long visit with this one! PS Ice-dye by @franv.mccolman of course! @liturgicalpress #Christianmysticism #mysticism
#contemplation
#prayer
#books
#bookstagram
#spirituality
#meditation
#hospitality #parishministry #philipsheldrake #johntkyler (at Clarkston, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmbzvPEuxrD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=