I consider myself to be on a spiritual journey.  My understanding is that such a journey brings constant change in how one perceives, thinks, feels and behaves.  I have joined this community because I believe dilogue with other spiritual aspirants and with skeptics can help all participants grow in understanding and spiritual development.

      As a psychologist practicing psychotherapy since 1964 I have become interested in what helps people become more loving, happy, tranquil, nonjudgmental and resilient.  I believe that the development and strengthening of these attributes are an essential part of the spiritual journey.  I have also been interested in what blocks the realization of these qualities in a person's life.  One of the challenges in psychotherapy is to help people minimize and transcend these blocks.  Personally as well as professionally I have become intrigued by how religious and spiritual beliefs and practices can help or hinder this journey of healing.  Within this context I view the scriptures of these traditions as manuals for psychological and spiritual development and am writing a commentary on the Bible.  I cover this and other topics in more detail on my website www.perennialpsychology.com 

      My interest in the spiritual journey was triggered by reading the book Be Here Now  by Ram Das.  After that I met Swami Rama who initiated me into a meditative tradition and  two years later appointed me as a meditation teacher for the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosopy.  Later I met Chief Luciano Perez, a Lakota Sioux medicine man and participated in Inipi (Sweat Lodge) and Yuipi (Healing) ceremonies that he conducted. I also did a vision quest under his guidance.