Though raised an atheist, looking back it seems clear I’ve felt mystical flowerings since early childhood, especially in nature. Though this innate spirituality received no encouragement and didn’t strike me as especially important, it helped me cope with an upbringing beset by neglect, bereavement, and abuse.
In my twenties, grappling with emotional pain due to formative trauma and inherited mood instability, I sought psycho-spiritual help. I turned to counseling, 12-step programs, and silent worship in the Quaker tradition—the religion of my ancestors. These resources provided the guidance I needed to complete my biomedical education and begin work as a surgeon.
When spinal problems cut my career short in midlife, I experienced powerful visions. Afterwards, spirituality felt much more vital and valuable than ever before. I intensified my meditation practice and converted to Roman Catholicism.
As my spirituality ripened, I sought support in additional traditions, including Theravada Buddhism, Raja Yoga, Chinese Medicine and Taoism, non-dual spirituality, and somatic psychotherapy. I also completed several spiritually-oriented trainings, listed below.
As I combined my growing interest in spiritual practice with my longstanding love of living things and nature, Mindful Biology was born.
List of spiritual education programs:
- Medical Acupuncture Training: Helms Medical Institute, Berkeley CA
- Yoga Teacher Training: Niroga Institute, Oakland CA
- Spiritual Direction Training: Interfaith Chaplaincy Institute, Berkeley CA
- Hospice Volunteer Training: Zen Caregiving Project, San Francisco CA