Ian J Mobsby
@ianjmobsby.bsky.social
Lefty-european, contemplative, christian, dr in theology, writer, speaker, anglican, missioner, Brit in Canada
For those wanting a contemplative practice for each of the weeks of Advent, I will be uploading and audio and text for a contemplative reflection you can use daily or occasionally as you are led. So here is the first audio and text for the first week of Advent.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 1: Contemplative Reflection
An Audio reflection for the first week of Advent by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:47 PM
For those wanting a contemplative practice for each of the weeks of Advent, I will be uploading and audio and text for a contemplative reflection you can use daily or occasionally as you are led. So here is the first audio and text for the first week of Advent.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A personal reflection on recent decisions in the CofE concerning inclusion.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
When Silence Wounds: How the Church of England’s Failure on Sexuality Creates Harm - and Why the Contemplative Path Matters
A personal contemplative and theological reflection by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A personal reflection on recent decisions in the CofE concerning inclusion.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
For those who are preparing to speak on Advent Sunday - here is a contemplative reflection on the gospel text.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Advent 1: Mary and the Courage to Awaken Hope in the Dark
Contemplative reflection on the Gospel text of Mark 13:24–37 for the 1st Sunday of Advent and Proper 1 by Ian J Mobsby
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November 26, 2025 at 11:43 AM
For those who are preparing to speak on Advent Sunday - here is a contemplative reflection on the gospel text.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Some traditions of Christianity over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally. This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Learning to Pray in the Fullness of God: Returning to the Trinity Beyond Feeling and Fear
Getting beyond just a Cataphatic Understanding of Contemplation
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November 22, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Some traditions of Christianity over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally. This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Some traditions of Christianity for me over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally.This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Seeing Beyond Either/Or: Non-Dualistic Contemplation in a Fragmented World
How the Contemplative Path Calls Us to Resist Polarisation, Honour Humanity, and Practice the Mystery of God’s Presence by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Some traditions of Christianity for me over focus on the need for a transaction of receiving God emotionally.This creates a conditional relationship with God that avoids the apophatic - the absence of God - as much as the cataphatic. So I offer this reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Trust in a higher power or God is the beginning of the spiritual journey to healing & spiritual freedom. But not trusting has become a way of life. This reflection draws on personal experience to explore the concept of trusting in God contemplatively.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Trust as the Beginning of the Contemplative Spiritual Path
A personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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November 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Trust in a higher power or God is the beginning of the spiritual journey to healing & spiritual freedom. But not trusting has become a way of life. This reflection draws on personal experience to explore the concept of trusting in God contemplatively.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Reflecting on how awakening spiritually is still quite a rare thing in our materialistic market society where many don’t face and do the inner work. Thanks Martin Saunders for the conversation that inspired this post…
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Cost of Awakening: The Holy Discomfort of No Longer Fitting In
A personal reflection on the spiritual and contemplative pilgrimage of Awakening, Purgation, Illumination & Union by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Reflecting on how awakening spiritually is still quite a rare thing in our materialistic market society where many don’t face and do the inner work. Thanks Martin Saunders for the conversation that inspired this post…
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The biblical text for Sunday has deep implications and speaks directly into the polycrisis & post secular culture we find ourselves facing today. This reflection unpacks a contemplative interpretation and response to the call for resilience in an age of crises.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
In Stillness and Storm: A Contemplative Reflection on Gospel of Luke 21:5-19
A reflection on the gospel lectionary text on 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, 22nd Sunday after Trinity and Proper 33 by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The biblical text for Sunday has deep implications and speaks directly into the polycrisis & post secular culture we find ourselves facing today. This reflection unpacks a contemplative interpretation and response to the call for resilience in an age of crises.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Theresa of Ávila drawing on her contemplative writing on the interior castle is core to Carmelite spirituality. Drawing on her writing I have created a contemplative practice to go deep with the God who speaks from within. I hope you will find this practice helpful
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Resourcing 13: Teresa of Ávila and the Interior Castle Prayer Practice
Contemplative Practice Inspired by the writings of Teresa of Avila by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Theresa of Ávila drawing on her contemplative writing on the interior castle is core to Carmelite spirituality. Drawing on her writing I have created a contemplative practice to go deep with the God who speaks from within. I hope you will find this practice helpful
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
I explore the key missional focus on a 'mixed ecology' here as a metapho, seeking the cultivated and semi-wild together.
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
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Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
A personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
I explore the key missional focus on a 'mixed ecology' here as a metapho, seeking the cultivated and semi-wild together.
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Letting the Grass Grow: Reclaiming the Beauty of a Mixed Ecclesial Ecology or Ecosystem as a Metaphor for the Missional
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A further reflection on the Beatitudes because its depth in teaching is so important. Loving the ongoing conversation that is deepening my writing.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Contemplative Gate and Depth of Makarios: Blessed Beyond Happiness
A personal reflection and prayer by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:11 PM
A further reflection on the Beatitudes because its depth in teaching is so important. Loving the ongoing conversation that is deepening my writing.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Reposted by Ian J Mobsby
'Mobsby explodes the temptation of some sociologists and monks to dualise between religion on the one hand and spirituality on the other': Connor Hansford in his review of The Seeking Heart by @ianjmobsby.bsky.social for Modern Believing.
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Seeking Heart A Contemplative Approach to Mission and Pioneering by Ian Mobsby - Paperback / softback - 9780334065852
Buy Seeking Heart A Contemplative Approach to Mission and Pioneering by Ian Mobsby Paperback / softback from SCM Press - ISBN: 9780334065852
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 11:23 AM
'Mobsby explodes the temptation of some sociologists and monks to dualise between religion on the one hand and spirituality on the other': Connor Hansford in his review of The Seeking Heart by @ianjmobsby.bsky.social for Modern Believing.
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Find out more here:
scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/978033...
Contemplative reflection for the gospel text for Remembrance Sunday
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The God of the Living - Remembering Beyond War: A Contemplative Refection on the Lectionary Gospel Text of Luke 20:27–38.
A Contemplative Reflection for the 21st Sunday After Pentecost and 20th Sunday After Trinity on Proper 32 by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Contemplative reflection for the gospel text for Remembrance Sunday
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
In addition to contemplative reflections of the gospel texts for All Saints Day & the Beatitudes I add a prayer practice for All Souls Day. For those recently bereaved, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you feel the loss as a consequence of great love.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Resources 12: A Contemplative Prayer for All Souls’ Day
For those like me that grieve the loss of loved ones and for those seeking healing by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:07 AM
In addition to contemplative reflections of the gospel texts for All Saints Day & the Beatitudes I add a prayer practice for All Souls Day. For those recently bereaved, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you feel the loss as a consequence of great love.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
As promised this is a follow up post for everyone who feels their work or vocation is taking them to the edge of burn out. Here are some thoughts and some emergency first aid practices.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Burnout and You - Finding Stillness in the Market Society’s Grind: A Contemplative Reflection & First Aid for the Overworked & Undervalued
A personal reflection from Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:54 AM
As promised this is a follow up post for everyone who feels their work or vocation is taking them to the edge of burn out. Here are some thoughts and some emergency first aid practices.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Additional reflection for this Sunday exploring a contemplative spiritual interpretation of the idea of All Saints Day
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Great Communion of Love: A Reflection for All Saints Day
Personal reflection by Ian J Mobsby
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October 30, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Additional reflection for this Sunday exploring a contemplative spiritual interpretation of the idea of All Saints Day
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
This is the Gospel text for those who are not focusing on All Saints Day. The Beatitudes are a key text for Contemplative Christian’s and I offer this reflection if you are using this text for Sunday.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Plain of Humble Spirituality - A Contemplative Reflection on the Beatitudes of Luke 6:20–31
A reflection on the Gospel text for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost and the 4th Sunday before Advent or Proper 31 by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:55 AM
This is the Gospel text for those who are not focusing on All Saints Day. The Beatitudes are a key text for Contemplative Christian’s and I offer this reflection if you are using this text for Sunday.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
For those speaking to the lectionary texts for Sunday - this is my contemplative reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
The Poverty of Spirit: A Contemplative Reading of Luke 18:9–14
A Contemplative Reflection for the Gospel Text of the 20th Sunday after Pentecost or the 19th Sunday after Trinity and Proper 30 by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
For those speaking to the lectionary texts for Sunday - this is my contemplative reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
As a GenXer, in this writing, is exposed, so much of my own life and struggles and need for contemplation, that Coupland’s writing encapsulates. This writing for me is truth-telling in a culture that has lost its way and seeks for spirituality.
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Swimming Toward the Sacred: Douglas Coupland, Generation X, and the Contemplative Cry for Meaning
How “Life After God” still speaks to a generation haunted by emptiness and longing for transcendence
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October 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
As a GenXer, in this writing, is exposed, so much of my own life and struggles and need for contemplation, that Coupland’s writing encapsulates. This writing for me is truth-telling in a culture that has lost its way and seeks for spirituality.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A piece of writing aimed at those who are pioneers and missioners and the crucial need for a contemplative centre to sustain such a vocation focused on loving change.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Why Missioners and Pioneers Need Contemplation: Navigating the Slow, Hard Work of Change
A Personal Reflection by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:49 AM
A piece of writing aimed at those who are pioneers and missioners and the crucial need for a contemplative centre to sustain such a vocation focused on loving change.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Delayed Start for the Into to a Missional New Monasticism Online Course: Now 20th Oct to 10th Nov
Just to give everyone the heads up - delayed starting this course by a week for personal reasons. So a week until this starts, join us as will start on 20th Oct
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Just to give everyone the heads up - delayed starting this course by a week for personal reasons. So a week until this starts, join us as will start on 20th Oct
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Delayed Start for the Into to a Missional New Monasticism Online Course: Now 20th Oct to 10th Nov
Course hosted by Ian J Mobsby
open.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Delayed Start for the Into to a Missional New Monasticism Online Course: Now 20th Oct to 10th Nov
Just to give everyone the heads up - delayed starting this course by a week for personal reasons. So a week until this starts, join us as will start on 20th Oct
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Just to give everyone the heads up - delayed starting this course by a week for personal reasons. So a week until this starts, join us as will start on 20th Oct
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Today I have posted an audio and written prayer practice and a background on the Carmelite contemplative Elizabeth of the Trinity as another form of contemplation to add to your tool kit. I find this prayer deeply helpful when I am overwhelmed or need a focus.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Resourcing 9: The Prayer of Carmelite, Elizabeth of the Trinity
Developing a new contemplative prayer practice created by Elizabeth
open.substack.com
October 12, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Today I have posted an audio and written prayer practice and a background on the Carmelite contemplative Elizabeth of the Trinity as another form of contemplation to add to your tool kit. I find this prayer deeply helpful when I am overwhelmed or need a focus.
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Intro to Missional New Monastic Communities - Places still available for this 4 week learning experience
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Intro to Missional New Monastic Communities - Places still available for this 4 week learning experience
An Online Learning Event Hosted and Run by Ian J Mobsby
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October 8, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Intro to Missional New Monastic Communities - Places still available for this 4 week learning experience
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A reflection and some contemplative prayer practices for when members of your family suffer - children, partner, parents - written to help and sustain you if this is you.
This is free ok substack to see or to subscribe for free!
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This is free ok substack to see or to subscribe for free!
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When Home Hurts: A Contemplative Path Through Family Suffering
Finding Boundaries, Love, and Faith When Those Closest to Us Struggle
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October 4, 2025 at 12:12 PM
A reflection and some contemplative prayer practices for when members of your family suffer - children, partner, parents - written to help and sustain you if this is you.
This is free ok substack to see or to subscribe for free!
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
This is free ok substack to see or to subscribe for free!
open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
A contemplative orayer resiurce dor those who carry the wounds of painful childhood memories
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...
Contemplative Prayer for Facing the Wounds of a Difficult Childhood
This contemplative prayer is for those that carry the wounds and disappointments of difficult childhoods.
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October 3, 2025 at 10:57 AM
A contemplative orayer resiurce dor those who carry the wounds of painful childhood memories
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open.substack.com/pub/postsecu...