The Book

Enjoy an excerpt from my forthcoming memoir and sign up below for periodic advances.

Preface

Words often are elusive when it comes to matters of the spirit. Perhaps it’s best that way. Trying to describe spiritual inspiration or encounters with the divine tends to diminish them. Some even say that a mystical experience, by definition, defies description.

I don’t disagree.

At the same time, I think we would do well to try to talk more about it. To listen to more voices—not just those of the anointed, the scholars, and the spiritual celebrities with book deals and massive social media followings, but also those of ordinary people on a path, making their way, discovering mysteries of who they are, gaining glimpses of the cosmos across the moments of their life. The more that people of different cultures, different countries, and different spiritual traditions speak up about their personal and shared experiences, the more we all stand to learn from the living spiritual traditions that blanket the earth. Especially if we can discuss our experiences with words that guide us into the same tent rather than segregate and separate. We’re in need of voices that can bring us closer and help us understand how we each taste and feel the world.

When I started writing a book in the summer of 2020, I didn’t have all this in mind. The world was four months into a pandemic. My husband and I were following instructions from our governor in Washington state. We were sheltering in place. My husband was antsy and eager to get on with a trip to Japan so he could officially launch his retirement travel. My work as an independent consultant had slowed. I figured I’d take advantage of the pause in the economy to enjoy quiet desk time. I was an experienced writer, having published articles, Op-Eds, and blog posts, and I looked forward to the new challenge of creating a book. I’d take a run at describing the techniques I used with organizational clients to unlock ideas and develop strategy. So, I began writing. 

On day two, the wind blew out of the sails. This was not the book that wanted to be written. I sat at the computer surrounded by abject silence. Penning a business book had seemed like such a natural next step. By mapping my methods, I’d have something to share with up-and-coming leaders who couldn’t afford to hire me. Virtually anyone would be able to access the gems of my personal knowledge base.

This book wanted to be something quite different. Disguised as prose, it quickly evolved into an offering, an ode to the spiritual tradition I consider my true home. The point of writing wasn’t complicated. The guidance was clear.

Talk about your spiritual journey.

Reveal how you traversed chasms, by choice, not waiting for calamity to strike.

Include others—the sages and contemporary journeyers—who know a thing or two about entering the unknown.

Focus on a tiny audience. People who dare. Who thrive on the fire of aspiration and the voltage of higher realms.

Don’t write about seeking.

Share the story of what it’s like to find what you sought.

Offer them the gold.