I have always known there was a strong connection between psychology and spirituality. Life choices have put me closer to one or the other perspective on the human condition from time to time, but my adult moments have been informed by both. As I look back on my life, I realize I have been preparing or being prepared for this moment for a very long time: From my beginnings in a very legalistic Christian family and community, to my search for meaning in other Christian theologies, to finally letting go of thinking there was ‘A Truth’ out there (in psychology or theology) that would pull it all together and I would finally be happy or at least content.
I received a master’s degree in Counseling in 1981 and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1988. These two degrees marked the beginning of my desire to help fellow Christians in their life journeys and the ending of the desire to provide that service in a Christian community. During my Ph.D. program, I came out to myself and a very few others as lesbian. My last year there, this was reported to the seminary’s Board of Trustees who then voted to expel me. This action was negated by their attorneys for legal reasons and I was ‘allowed’ to graduate. But this experience did not end my true passion which has only deepened: To experience and be Divine Presence in every moment of my life.
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As I began my career as a psychologist, I also learned about liberation theology, feminist theology and the beginnings of queer theology in the 90’s. I never quite reconnected with the Christian message of salvation. In 2000, at a time when I felt complete with life and ready to leave, I had a personal reading with a trance channel at the suggestion of a friend. The message, which I understand was from my Higher Soul Self through this channel, was clear: it was now time to wake up. It was time to open to the higher consciousness awareness and allow heaven here in this dimension. It was time for me to realize I was a reflection of the Divine here on Mother Earth in human form, with the soul purpose of remembering who I Am and living that beingness here in this physical body. I was introduced to metaphysics, New Age teachings, mysticism, and contemplative practices, excited as I realized there is a far greater story to be told, to be lived…my passion was reignited.
The years after I retired from psychology in 2009 were a time of expanding and deepening my human understanding of life and purpose. I established contemplative practices in my daily life and my mind began to accept their value. These practices helped me open to the presence of the Divine and let go of old attachments, including old emotional entanglements with relationships, beliefs and behaviors that no longer served me. I explored a bit of quantum mechanics and the new sciences called contemplative neurosciences. I was opening to new, higher perspectives on the human condition and potentials for transformation.
I came to Canada in 2017 as a retired psychologist who had lived a mostly contemplative life for years. Rather suddenly I was back in a Masters program, this time in Indigenous and Inter-Religious Studies. My life was changing again. I was complete with the life I had led, and my new life, my higher purpose was on the horizon.
I created this website as part of my final project at the Vancouver School of Theology. It represents the culmination of my life’s work…the integration of psychology and spirituality as I have experienced it. My journey has brought me full circle. I am now more excited and optimistic about my future, the future of humanity and our world than ever before. Love, joy, compassion, abundance, harmony are available in ways I never thought possible. I offer this to each of you as an invitation to explore new possibilities on Your Journey Into Joy.
My Journey continued here: Next Steps in my Journey into Joy
The Essence and Projects of Intergalactic Connections
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Header Image courtesy of Pixabay/MBatty