• Wild at Heart

  • Radical Teachings of the Christian Mystics
  • By: Tessa Bielecki
  • Narrated by: Tessa Bielecki
  • Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (110 ratings)

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Wild at Heart  By  cover art

Wild at Heart

By: Tessa Bielecki
Narrated by: Tessa Bielecki
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Publisher's summary

Is an intimate experience of the Divine meant only for saints and mystics? Ask Tessa Bielecki, a former Carmelite nun and abbess of a monastic community, and the answer is an emphatic no. "Mystical experience is as natural to us as breathing," she explains. "It erupts spontaneously and graciously when we live on the spot and savor the real." Wild at Heart presents her call to you, the ordinary seeker, to have a loving realization of God, which is your divine birthright.

Bielecki will guide you through six hours of practical, easy-to-follow teachings, stemming from her 40 years of communal worship and in-depth study of Christian mystics, including Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Augustine, and others. Join her to rediscover the radiant heart of Christianity and bring the mystic's depth of passion to your own spiritual practice.

©2006 Tessa Bielecki

What listeners say about Wild at Heart

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great food for thought

This was well done. I liked the way she included her life experiences and those of known and unknown mystics. It opened up the arena letting us know we all have the ability, it's whether we open ourselves to it or not.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Disrobing the Mystery

Where does Wild at Heart rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

By far the best

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wild at Heart?

Bieleka remembering once peeking at her mother during Mass and realising that her mother was a mystic.

Which scene was your favorite?

NA

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

NA

Any additional comments?

This is a book about mysticism written by a mystic and a recluse. That sounds like a recipe for dull, but in fact it is a book that clarifies and makes winsome this strange obsession that has captured some of the best minds in Christendom. For world-weary Christians this book is both the diagnosis and the cure for an inherited faith which, as she observes (quoting her own spiritual director), became very sick in the Third Century.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

It was OK, I had hoped for more based on intro

It started off great, I was really excited when she told who she is, what she does, and how she got to this point. I couldn't wait to hear the rest! But some of the segments are reading of lists of books to read, or poetry or other surface level info that I wish I had a fast-forward button for. I like her and her journey, just would like to hear more about her "teachings" in depth. Maybe a second book?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding, simple, clear

This is one of the best books on spirituality, mysticism, and true Christianity that has been written in years! I highly recommend it as being well researched and well read. Destined to be a classic in spiritual literature!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A WONDERFUL AND UPLIFTING LISTEN !!!

This is just what is needed on Audible
We mystics in the west are often starved spiritually
It is wonderful to be able to draw upon our own Mystics from a tradition we have grown up in and to feel fresh inspiration flowing from deep within
Good on you Tess may you reap what you have sown !!!
Highly recomended
ps please also purchase the books recommended by Tessa
May you all be blessed within and without !!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Perfect Fit

This book fit perfectly in my life at exactly the right time I needed it.
Much of what Tessa wrote here confirms what God has been speaking to me from a variety of sources lately. Many of these things challenge my traditional dogma, yet upon further reflection and deeper understanding, fit beautifully with my faith, rather than conflict.
If you really get the mystical experience with God, you'll not only hear what Tessa is saying, but what is God saying to you as you listen, or through your life experiences.
If you don't get the whole mystical experience yet, and it may sound a little unorthadox or fruity at first, its just a matter of developing an actual relationship with God, opening your spiritual ears to His voice, opening your heart to recieve and express His love, to a deeper and more real level.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A beautiful way of understanding prayer

This is a small but deeply knowledgeable approach to prayer and contemplation. It is an important contribution.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful!

This collection of lectures is both very informational and practical. Bielecki gives wonderful descriptions of Christian mysticism, not neglecting the broad range of different mystic views. She includes some memorable anecdotes and examples. There is also some soul-filled poetry.

This is not a book if you are looking for theological points or dogma. In fact, it is the exact opposite. If you are looking to explore the world of Christian mystics, those who seek to experience the eternal God in daily life, this book is for you. Bielecki includes great insights and many practical points to apply to your own life. This audiobook is a delight and a blessing.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

One book that makes a difference

For me this book was very meaningful. I loved how she called all of us to be Christian Mystics. Honestly, if you just select one book for spiritual enrichment - this would be a good one to choose.


This book might have low ratings with some listners because it is not chock full of bible facts but more geared toward spiritual enrichment. It talks alot about the different saints of the past. For me it was precious.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Modern Mystics rejoice

Would you listen to Wild at Heart again? Why?

I listen to Wild at Heart regularly since purchasing it. Tessa provides a great guide to the modern mystics. Her style is light hearted and yet practical. She provides a magical combination that guides those of us struggling to fulfill our destinies.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the combination of light hearted but practical advise.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many moments in this program moved me; too many to begin to recount them all. Just about every section has a turning point in it.

Any additional comments?

For anyone who is on a mystical path and struggling, this is a must have tool for you. Although she is a mystic with a monastery, of her own making, she understands the struggle of the modern mystic and offers practical practices that can be a wonderful guide.

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1 person found this helpful