Date: March 29, 2005

Name: Lisa

Age: 34

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? i reached a pivotal point in my life and got help in a place who's goal was to make people healthier. learning about what "spirituality" there. i learned to be more human, by respecting people, smiling more to strangers or to those at work that don't smile, i had good will in mind when doing things or making plans with friends/family

What advice would you give someone just starting out? not sure, I got a book called Astrology for the Soul


What first awakened you? i reached a pivotal point in my life and got help; i learned I was selfish and rude to people; i learned to accept other people as they were, to make judgments cause I don't know their story

What were the very first things you did? read self help, self awareness books, have empathy


Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? guard against losing touch and seeing the connection with others

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Date: April 29, 2005

Name: Niki

Age: 28.9

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? My spritual path is not a path normally described. I do not live a disiplined life. Not in the sense of daily meditation, or abstinence etc. I try to live more in a state of loving kindness and compassion. I believe in mental discipline and pure intentions. In saying that I am generally concerned with less chemicals, eco logically friendly living etc but nothing spectacular. I want to be an example of how a person can full fill a relatively normal life and still be a good healer etc. I get amazing results and people travel to see me. For someone so young that is quite amazing. I teach reiki and coach people.

I do self cleanse and mediatate sometimes but not as a daily routine. I am human.

What advice would you give someone just starting out? I have had a natural path to spirituality since I can remember. I have been guided there time and time again, no matter how much I fight. with my saturn return approaching, i have decided to accept my path. At 17 I worked with an amazing woman, she tried to teach me in a simualer manner to socrates character in Dan Millmans 'way of the peaceful warrier'. It got very scary. The more I applied myself the more open I became. strangers would sit next to me and give me information, often not meant for me but for me to pass on. The angels work in mysterious ways. Don't be afraid but embrace it. Trust the universe and trust yourself. Becareful not to get caught in the ego or imagination, both of these can send you mad.

What first awakened you? The re awakening for me was breast cancer. It is like my suffering forced me to face parts of myself that I had fought. I healed quickly once i stopped fighting. There were many other awakenings, but that was a very significant turning point.

What were the very first things you did? I studied many modalities. I felt i needed structure to what i could do, or facilitate. I think for most people that turning point and what you do is hard to pin point


Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? When you are open you become a beacon of white light. People love to suck the energy out of you. self protection, always, when dealing with full on things eg. cancer. clease afterwards. usually you first start feeling mostly dark and heavy energy, cut and cancel it, soon you will highten your frequency. Wankers, new age hippy wankers, that don't actually have it at all, they talk alot and feel little. Also they talk it up, the ego thing, integrity, don't buy into gossips and social scenes, yoga and emdiatation groups are ok, but there are alot of of other groups that are less helpful, sprituality is a person journey, find someone you trust with experience to help you through. Born again christian types will send all of their friends to you, trying to convience you that you are working with satan. trust yourself to know who is good for you, and what

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Date: May 15, 2005

Name: CC

Age: 20

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? me a few years and lots of questions and fear. But I am finally ready to just BE. Let Spirit BE in ME, Let Spirit show through me , Let Spirit KNOW (NO) ME.

I used to think I was supposed to be only interested in one God or one path or one definate knowing that could be given to be by some well meaning male figure (or even female) who would be able to meld all my ancestors' energy into an acceptable spiritual path to make and acceptable spiritual person.

Well I just came from a funeral in Maine. While I w

What advice would you give someone just starting out? I just a simple Roman Catholic.  I always take it seriously, and never lightly.  I can't say wheter I go further than most spiritual people.  So far I have gotten up to studying the relationship between faith and reason.  I hate to say this but the modern individual operates under a debilitated reasoning.  It all started with Descartes, after that, things slowly got worse, Camus, Beckett, and the existentilaists.  this is not a hopeless situation, some have even escaped this mistake.  All we need to do is stop a rethink the past several centuries.  Another way I practise my faith is through meditation.  Introverts seem specificly designed for this.  It hope it dosen't sound corny but it simply feels incredible.  Every time I time do this I get a wave of pleasure.  It is the most relaxing and worthwhile exercise I have ever encountered.  It calms me down and help me make peace with life, the universe, and everything.  it sounds silly, I'm sure, but there is no other way to describe it.


What first awakened you?  Well.. It's silly, but Star Wars Helped me see my Catholicism in a new light


What were the very first things you did? Well, i became a lot more involved in my faith from then on as one can see.


Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? Logic never denies God.  However, some people tend to get logic mixed up with superstition, believing in such nonsense as ghosts, aliens, demons, or even fairies.  There is a fine line between faith and fanaticism, learn to distinguish between the two.

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Date: September 20, 2004

Name: Kati email

Age: 37

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? I believe my spiritual path started many lifetimes ago. I think this reality is just that a moment added to all the other moments that are the lifetimes I've needed to get to where I am and to keep me headed towards some final healing. My spiritual path in this life had been confusing and wonderful-maddening and joyful.

There have normal rituals like church and baptism and marriage-sadly enough nothing I could rave about. Then there have been Spirit moments that took my very breathe-the births of my most beloved gifts-my Sonja and my Jessie. The closeness my husband and I share when we can shut out the war and pretend he is not a Marine-trained to kill with his bare hands.

You see this is my Spirit filled path. It is whereever I am God is... it had taken me a few years and lots of questions and fear. But I am finally ready to just BE. Let Spirit BE in ME, Let Spirit show through me , Let Spirit KNOW (NO) ME.

I used to think I was supposed to be only interested in one God or one path or one definate knowing that could be given to be by some well meaning male figure (or even female) who would be able to meld all my ancestors' energy into an acceptable spiritual path to make and acceptable spiritual person.

Well I just came from a funeral in Maine. While I was there I prayed and walked my Grandparents' land and there were the answers. I guess I had just been looking so long for acceptance I forgot to welcome it when it arrived. I started feeling Spirit move in ways that I have been missing for years in seems. War will do that to a peacemaker who is married to a warrior. But that was my Grandparents' story as well. So all I had to do was look inside their story to find my own.  I think that is what spiritual paths are-interlocking ever embracing-like labyrinths or Celtic knots. Nothing is ever truly seperate and we are loved by Spirit and we are the love of Spirit everday if we choose to be.

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Starting out can be wonderful, exciting, terrible, lonely, but whatever IT is I think the best way to start is to BREATHE. I live in Hawaii and the Breath is the beginning. It is the best place I know to start. How do you find the breath? Let yourself believe that you are worthy-worthy of love, prosperity, forgiveness, healing, children, whatever the IT is that you need- need as in crave beyond all understanding.

What first awakened you?  What first awakened me? My current path opened to me when I was 31 years. I was deeply depressed and in a lot of physical pain. I was struggling with mutiple addictions. It was a crossroads-get up off the floor and put the pills away-get help, or loose any chance of seeing my daughter grow-up and my future daughter be born.  

What were the very first things you did? On this path I called out to the universe to let me be healed. At the time I had no idea if the universe could hear me and I was pretty sure I was a waste of human flesh. But some distant energy-some childlike belief made me seek help. The universe answered by providing me with an INFP counselor... Lots more to share about the things I did.. Read Anatomy of the Spirit, started writing affirmations and about the ugliness of sexual abuse.... Mostly I struggled I fought back because I wanted love more than hate-I wanted to Breathe

Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? Guard against putting time limits on yourself. Watch out for the all knowing gurus-they are not for real. No such thing as all knowing. Seek your shadow places they are sometimes the greatest wisdom bearers.  

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Date: September 6, 2004

Name: Penny Blanchard email

Age: 67

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? My spiritual path has been a journey throughout my lifetime.  It started with Sunday School, before I was school age and continues as ever

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Focus on what you can do for others and be always aware of your own inner thoughts and consious of what is going on around you. This awareness should also include the blossoms in your garden, the movement of the stars, as well as the work of ants and bees.  Be aware of the triles and needs of your family members, friends and associates.  Never give up being curious and learn something new everyday. Give thanks daily for your life here on Earth and bless your loved ones including your problems too,they are sent to stretch and expand your understanding and apiritual abilities.

What first awakened you? I liked what my Sunday school teachers were telling me.  I knew it was right to be kind to my family, friends, and neighbors.  I learned that God loved me unconditionally and it made me feel    blessed and want to do my very best in whatever I was doing.  I also believed the importance of telling the truth and being honest about life itself.  My teachers layed a foundation, that as I became a preteen, seemed to get undermined   in the lessons that followed.  As I learned that Santa Claus was not a real person, I was taught that he was the spirit of giving and I could   accept that, but other things that the church had  layed out as a path I ought to follow, were  layed aside and new rules came into play, they advocated being prejudice, they seemed to be preparing to control my life in ways that did not seem to  allow for freedom to make personal choices as first indicated and I became bewildered and confused.  However through all this I knew God   blessed and loved me and he added to my responsibilies and I did thrive and continue to hunger after education and direction in my life.  

What were the very first things you did? I began to feel a calling other than raising my children when they entered school.  It was something I had pushed to the back of my mind, but it forced it's way to the fore front and I felt inspired to go to school again, myself, and do what I had dreamed of as a child.  I became a nurse, and this gave me great spiritual growth and satisfaction. I felt unhampered in my efforts to help others and they returned to their own homes and were able to go on with their lives and I bennifited from all this with great spiritual satisfaction.  I was on my spiritual path and I knew it, though I must admit I have never declared  my career as such to anyone, it was always something I just a private knowledge I simply carried around within myself.   

Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? I would say guard against compromising your principles and your own truth for any reason. I honestly can't think of anything in my life that has been a waste of time, other than over-sleeping,as a teen, when I could have been doing something useful or interesting.  

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Date: September 2, 2004

Name: Donna

Age: 49

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? grew up with Abuse; I start the sentance with that so if their is anyone else who derives strength to go on; Its hard at times but learning strength, is a tool.  Belief in your self, your goodness, your dpirit to see you through.  When I opened this page I read, "interview with Anna Baldwin"; she said one thing I strongly identify with "never never betray your heart" your self,  what you know and believe to be Right....it is the wind under your wings! It was mine...you can look at your abuser and say their a ***....and I am not.  Pretty powerful stuff for a kid; in a kids terminology.  I grew up wanting to to Marry, No=body, like dear old Dad....and I thanked dad for the lesson.....as much pain as I've had in my life I was married to a good man who loved me.

Love was what I ached for as a kid...and I promised my self I would have it as an adult...Spirit' as some say...God to me  promised me when I cried as a young  18 year old girl; God wasx with me when my Correction Officer husband of2 decades was killed at 3:45 a.m. on a deserted road as he traveled into his job and I lost him and our future; For My Old Age....Thgank- God for faith and Belief in God and  a life in the hear-after.....God loved me so much he sent two spirits to my door the morning before my husband was killed.....its 51 months later and I've been to hell and back. But I've never doubted.....God is in It!  Theres a story surrounding my life; and my husbands death  and the truth may never come out....I hope everyone who reads this via Nancy....God Bless Nancy, *says a little prayer ( St Anne's special- Quebec where her Shrine Is) ...says a little prayer that the truth come out.....that whats hidden comes to the light....we should always be allowed in this country and in all its states , to Tell The Truth!   It's good for the Soul...... thats my story love Donna

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Pray !  Believe in God Believe in self   Be kind  Be Good  and don't keep turning the other cheek...Give it to God

What first awakened you? The Beauty in Nature helped me to see the Beauty in Me

What were the very first things you did? Prayed    sat and admired Nature where its still left to enjoy....No More Casino's Please 700 and counting in the USA   70 Nuclear Power Plants  they once wanted 1000  ( 1970's)

Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? Politics   -  Corruption  -  Greed

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Date: August 20, 2004

Name: Kathleen Hawkins email website

Age: 51

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? The Inheritance by Kathleen Hawkins

This is her story: Someday I'll visit High Watch Farm, in the Connecticut Berkshires, and sit in the small chapel where my grandfather stood in the early 1900s, and feel close to him, and give thanks for my inheritance.

High Watch Farm, originally known as Joy Farm, was owned by Etheldred Folsom Helling--also called Sister Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. Sister Francis was a student of Emma Curtis Hopkins, whom some say was the founder of the New Thought movement. Many of Mrs. Hopkins' students became well-known New Thought teachers and leaders, including Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, founders of the Unity School of Christianity, H. Emilie Cady, author of Lessons in Truth, and Ernest Holmes, founder of the Church of Religious Science and author of The Science of Mind. My grandfather, Charles Patrick Wade Jones, was also one of the early Unity teachers. His two little girls (my mother and aunt) spent the first years of their lives living at Joy Farm.

At that time, the Farm was a retreat for artists and writers, a haven for people seeking spiritual healing, and a place to learn and study New Thought principles.

In 1928, Joy Farm was renamed the Ministry of the High Watch, which refers to the philosophy and practice of looking to the God within (and, therefore, keeping the "High Watch"). Mrs. Hopkins' teachings, and her works, were published under the name The Ministry of the High Watch. Today High Watch Farm is used by Alcoholics Anonymous, and adheres to many of the New Thought principles.

When I grew up in Michigan, and Grandfather lived in Wisconsin, I knew that he was a minister, but I knew nothing of his background or my rich, spiritual heritage. I related to him only as a child would relate to a grandfather whom she visited occasionally.

I eventually got a master's degree in reading education, then moved to San Francisco -- named, incidentally, after St. Francis of Assisi -- to pursue a second master's degree, this time in creative writing. The stress of a difficult childhood finally caught up with me and I was faced with either breaking down or breaking through. In this fragile state of mind, I found my way, quite by "accident" to a Science of Mind church. The New Thought philosophy turned my life around.

It was then when I looked into my grandfather's background and discovered that the spiritual philosophy I'd come to love was the same philosophy by which he had lived for so many years.

Science of Mind magazine subsequently published 12 of my articles, which became the basis for my book, Spirit Incorporated: How to Follow Your Spiritual Path from 9 to 5 (dedicated to Grandfather). He'd had a couple articles published in Unity magazine. Years later I followed in his footsteps and had one there, as well. He died before I was ever published, but somehow, I think he knows -- and inspires and guides me in spirit.
 
My mother has his antique dresser and his marble-top cabinet. My brother has "dibs" on inheriting them. Having Grandfather's furniture would be lovely, but I realize that I inherited something much more valuable from him: my abundant, boundless creativity and a passion for the Divine. I will carry my inheritance in my heart and in my mind forever.

So it is with each of us. We all have a Divine inheritance within us that's waiting for us to recognize and accept it. A Divinity that's guiding us gently, unseen, and inviting us to know it. Claim your divine birthright today: meditate, pray, read the New Thought classics, attend New Thought services (Science of Mind/Unity/Religious Science/Divine Science)--or the church or temple of your choice--and spend time with loving, like-minded people.

And I'll go to High Watch Farm and sit in the small chapel where grandfather stood in the early 1900s, and feel close to him, and give thanks for my splendid, precious inheritance.

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Date: August 16, 2004

Name: Anna Baldwin website email

Age: 57

How would you describe your Spiritual Path? Over the years, it seems to have been a long and winding road.  :) I was raised to love Jesus, went on pilgrimage to India, have experienced various types of meditation and practiced Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism for 20 years. Through all this, Jesus has been my guide - a beloved elder brother and friend.  Now, I am cultivating direct reconnection with Divine Mother Pachamama and Heavenly Father, by clearing all negative impacts from my luminous body, to restore the heart to its pristine, direct connection through the Soul to God. Jesus has led me, now, to practice with a native Andean shaman and master of celestial healing arts and science, with a lineage through the Kogi Mamas of Columbia, studying vibrational medicine and the shamanic way according to the Kogi.

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Be impeccable.  To be impeccable means to never, never, ever betray your heart.  The heart is connected directly to the luminous body, which is connected through the cosmos to the Divine. 

What first awakened you? A death experience in 1970 -- I had to see what that Light was that I saw when the doctors were saying I was dead.

What were the very first things you did? I read "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda -- still the most wonderful book I've read, it speaks directly to the heart. I practiced Yoga, and meditation -- and later, martial arts.

Is there anything you would guard against or thought was a waste of time? I would guard against anything that would tempt me to betray my heart -- anything that would keep me from recognizing and releasing the trainers and domesticators that enslave the soul, all in the name of Love.

Waste of time?  No effort is wasted.  However, I would have to say beware -- be aware -- of teachers who would bind you to them, in dependency.  If they don't insist you stand on your own feet and honor your heart, run!!! the other way.

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