James Finley is a contemplative retreat leader, a core teacher at the Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School, and a retired clinical psychologist. He is the author of several books including Merton's Palace of Nowhere, The Contemplative Heart, and Christian Meditation. He studied spirituality and philosophy and lived for several years as a monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky under the spiritual direction of Thomas Merton.
Finley has a doctorate in psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in education from St. John College, and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Akron.
He lives with his wife, Maureen Fox, in Marina del Rey, California.
