Turning to Julian of Norwich: A Deep Dive into Divine Love and Mystical Oneness

Turning to the Mystics with James Finley launches its sixth season by delving into the life and teachings of Julianna of Norwich, one of Christianity’s most profound mystics. Hosted by Jim Finley and Kirsten Oates of the Center for Action and Contemplation, and featuring guest Mirabai Starr—a renowned writer, teacher, and translator of mystical texts—the episode offers an enriching exploration of Julian’s spiritual legacy and its relevance in today’s fractured world.

1. Introducing Julian of Norwich

Jim Finley opens the conversation by positioning Julian of Norwich alongside other prominent mystics like Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton. He emphasizes Julian’s unique place within the contemplative tradition, noting her English heritage and her life’s parallels with “The Cloud of Unknowing,” another significant mystical work. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Julian’s contributions to spiritual thought.

2. Personal Connections and Impact

Jim Finley shares his initial encounter with Julian’s writings during his time in the monastery alongside Thomas Merton. Although Julian didn’t resonate with him deeply at first, his subsequent visits to her hermitage in Norwich sparked a profound appreciation. He reflects:

“I really started to appreciate her” (03:14)

Mirabai Starr recounts her introduction to Julian’s work during a tumultuous adolescence. A friend introduced her to Julian’s famous affirmation, “all will be well, and all will be well, and every kind of thing shall be well,” which served as a lifeline through her stormy teenage years. She highlights the transformative power of Julian’s repetition of this phrase:

“Julian's the queen of threes... repeating it three times had this very powerful kind of alchemy” (05:09)

3. Julian’s Life and Near-Death Experience

Mirabai provides a detailed account of Julian’s near-death experience during the Black Death—a period that decimated Europe’s population. On her deathbed, Julian experienced profound visions of Christ’s passion. Her mother’s intervention, urging her to gaze upon a crucifix, became the conduit for these revelations. Mirabai speculates that Julian’s condition may have stemmed from a “broken heart” due to the extensive losses she endured:

“As a bereaved mother myself, ... she lost… family members who were whom she loved beyond measure” (07:12)

4. Core Teachings and Insights

a. The Triple Affirmation: "All Will Be Well"

Mirabai explains how Julian’s affirmation became a spiritual anchor for her:

“So many people know nothing about Julian of Norwich except they know that beautiful triple affirmation that all will be well” (05:09)

b. The Nature of Sin: Absence of Substance

Julian presents a radical theology where sin lacks inherent substance. Instead, sin is perceived as the absence of love, and its reality lies only in the pain it causes:

“Sin has not a particle of substance. It is no thing... only valuable insofar as it increases our love for God” (24:40)

Jim adds that sin’s tangible cruelty is a manifestation of the absence of love, aligning with Julian’s understanding:

“What sin is is the absence of love. And the absence of love is the absence of substance” (35:08)

c. Motherhood of God and the Feminine Divine

Julian introduces a pioneering concept of God’s motherhood, asserting that Christ’s nature embodies feminine qualities essential for divine love and sacrifice. Mirabai emphasizes this groundbreaking insight:

“God gave birth to God's self through the second person of the Trinity... the Incarnation is about an embodied feminine reality” (27:28)

Jim expands on the integration of masculine and feminine divine attributes, highlighting the necessity of balancing these forces within oneself:

“Male and female, God creates like this... the divinity of the feminine is an antidote for problematic aspects of institutional religions” (31:16)

5. Influence on Hosts and Translators

Mirabai Starr describes her accidental path to translating Julian’s works. Initially hesitant due to existing translations of other mystics, she felt a compelling urge to translate Julian’s writings after recognizing their vital relevance:

“She had this vital wisdom to offer to our exact times... vital medicine to help us on our way in these fractured times” (06:58)

Jim Finley reflects on Julian’s teachings as a source of intimate certainty and guidance:

“It’s our mystical relationship with the One... we live our whole life in fidelity to that” (14:27)

6. Practical Applications and Practices

The hosts discuss how Julian’s teachings encourage the cultivation of both masculine and feminine qualities within oneself. They explore practical methods for integrating these insights:

• Mirabai’s Writing Practice: Utilizing prompts and timed writing sessions to delve into personal experiences, uncovering deeper spiritual truths.

  “I use them as a spiritual practice... to know myself and know God” (51:55)

• Jim’s Approach: Writing memoirs at the feeling level allows for the exploration of moments where divine love shines through adversity.

  “It feels like a meditative state of sharing or channeling something” (54:49)

Kirsten Oates inquires about accessible practices for listeners, prompting Mirabai and Jim to share their writing disciplines as pathways to spiritual self-discovery.

7. Oneness with God: Julian’s Concept of "Oning"

Mirabai introduces Julian’s term “oning” as a dynamic and active process of awakening to the inherent oneness with God:

“We always have been and we ever shall be... a reawakening to that reality of our oneness” (55:03)

Jim poetically ties “oning” to the infinite presence of God, suggesting that seeking unity with the divine is about recognizing what has always existed rather than striving to become it:

“We become one in realizing the oneness that we never weren't” (56:00)

8. Living Julian’s Legacy Today

Mirabai and Jim emphasize the enduring relevance of Julian’s insights, particularly in fostering a balanced integration of gendered divine qualities and embracing the omnipresent love that underpins existence. They advocate for a contemplative practice that remains open to unfolding divine wisdom, much like Julian’s lifetime dedication to her revelations.

Conclusion: Embracing Julian’s Timeless Wisdom

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on Julian of Norwich’s unwavering presence and the continued impact of her teachings. Mirabai and Jim express gratitude for Julian’s enduring wisdom, which offers solace and guidance in navigating the complexities of modern life.

“My heart feels very warm and alive... grateful for that gift” (58:05)

Listeners are invited to engage with Julian’s profound messages, integrating them into their own spiritual journeys to foster hope, healing, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Notable Quotes:

• Mirabai Starr at 05:09: “Julian's the queen of threes... repeating it three times had this very powerful kind of alchemy.”

• Mirabai Starr at 24:40: “Sin has not a particle of substance. It is no thing... only valuable insofar as it increases our love for God.”

• Mirabai Starr at 55:03: “A reawakening to that reality of our oneness.”

• Jim Finley at 35:08: “What sin is is the absence of love. And the absence of love is the absence of substance.”

• Mirabai Starr at 56:00: “We always have been and we ever shall be... a reawakening to that reality of our oneness.”

This comprehensive exploration of Julian of Norwich’s life and teachings not only illuminates her mystical experiences but also offers practical pathways for contemporary seekers to deepen their spiritual practice and embrace a more integrated, loving presence in the world.