Spiritual Roots

On tracing my lifelong journey of intuition, faith, and transformation

Each decade of my life has brought fresh insights about divinity—some through personal experiences, others through deep study and reflection. The path hasn’t been straight; rather, it has been a weaving of ideas, encounters, and revelations, all shaping the way I perceive the sacred today.

1. Extrasensory Perception, 1980’s

Throughout history, many have experienced heightened awareness beyond the five senses. Some say experiencing a tragic loss or trauma can open us to this awareness. Moments of insight often arrive as gut feelings, sudden inspirations, or waking dreams. For me, tuning into divine intuition from a very young age has been a journey of curiosity, discernment, and trust. More in number 15 on this list.

2. Movies as Spiritual Allegories, 1990’s

Films like City of Angels, Contact, and Inception depict profound themes of faith, otherworldly encounters, and the nature of reality. These stories resonate with me because they explore the mysteries of human perception and spiritual longing. Cinema has been a sort of mirror for me, reflecting my own questions about existence and the unseen, often pointing me toward inspired reading.

3. Transcendental Literature, 2000’s

Words have always held power for me, especially in poetry that transcends the literal and moves into the mystical. Works from transcendental naturalists and Sufi poets reveal truths that can’t always be explained but can be deeply felt. Writing my own poetry has been a form of revelation—an elegant distillation of divine feeling. 

4. Wisdom in Bible Scripture, 2000’s

The Bible offers a rich source of guidance for navigating everyday life. These texts don’t just present doctrines; they invite reflection on life’s deeper meanings. I find the metaphorical and poetic aspects of scripture to be a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary spirituality.

5. Catholic Mysticism & Contemplation, 2000’s

Mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross speak of divine union through inner transformation. Catholic mysticism emphasizes the surrender of ego and the deepening of spiritual awareness. Their writings have inspired my own contemplative practices, encouraging me to seek the divine within.

6. Comparative Theology & Literature, 2000’s

During my undergraduate capstone course, I explored how erotic imagery in spiritual poetry represents the redirection of desire toward the divine. This independent study opportunity has blossomed into a lifelong passion, helping me see the interconnectedness of faith traditions and their shared symbolic language.

7. Comparative Mythology, 2000’s

Mythology across cultures holds timeless archetypes of enlightenment, sacrifice, and transformation. Universal stories of creation, heroism, and divine encounters offer insights into human nature and our search for meaning. This exploration has deepened my appreciation for the symbolic ways we understand the sacred.

8. Silent Retreat & Jesuit Tradition, 2000’s

The Jesuit tradition emphasizes intellectual inquiry, spiritual discernment, and the practice of silence. My experience of a silent retreat at a Jesuit order gave me the space to listen—truly listen—to my own inner voice. In stillness, I found clarity and a deeper connection to both myself and the divine.

9. Principles of Detachment & Awareness, 2010’s

Learning to detach doesn’t mean disengaging from life, but rather approaching it with presence and non-attachment. This practice is a foundation for cultivating inner peace, which I first discovered in a pocket book called The Way to Love by Anthony de Mello. Awareness of my habits and my entitlement has allowed me to move through life challenges with greater ease.

10. Buddhist Insights & Mindfulness, 2020’s

Buddhism has helped me understand the nature of human thoughts, emotions, and reactions. It offers practical tools for daily mindfulness and meditation. Through breathwork and mantras, I cultivate a sense of calmness and presence. These practices ground me in the now.

11. Earth Wisdom, 2020’s

Nature is a sacred teacher, revealing rhythms of growth, rest, and renewal. The lunar cycles, the changing seasons, and indigenous wisdom traditions remind me of my connection to the Earth. Embracing the practices of slow living and deep listening continue to help me heal from the societal wounds of patriarchy and capitalism, as well setting aside time for nature writing and macro photography.

12. Unity Consciousness & Energy Awareness, 2020’s

The idea that we are all interconnected—both energetically and spiritually—is a core belief in many faith traditions. For me, unity consciousness means living in alignment with my authentic self and recognizing the divine in all things. Inner activism, through embodying truth, light, and love, is part of this journey.

13. Unitarian Universalism, 2020’s

The Unitarian Universalist covenant speaks to love, truth, and service as sacred acts; its message resonates deeply with me and aligns with my values, as it upholds both freedom and responsibility in spiritual seeking, calling us to live in peace, pursue knowledge, and give generously. Unitarian Universalism is a figurative container that can hold my entire pluralist spiritual journey and leave space for growth, encouraging transformation while acknowledging imperfection. Each of us is a divine work-in-progress.

14. Psychology of Symbols & Dreams, 2020’s

Carl Jung’s ideas on archetypes, the shadow self, and the role of symbols are deepening my understanding of personal and collective transformation. Dreams are not just subconscious fragments—they are guiding messages. Exploring symbols and dreams is a new part of my inner work, which I’m approaching with a comparative lens to the mythical divine feminine and masculine.

15. Clarities & Psychic Dream States, 2020’s

Dreams have long been considered a gateway to deeper knowledge. From lucid dreams to prophetic visions, I’ve experienced moments of profound insight in dream states. Learning the vocabulary to name my experiences—such as astral projection, shamanic dreaming, and hypnagogic states—is expanding my understanding of consciousness and the psychic fabric of life. Identifying and developing my clarities, like clear seeing, clear feeling, and clear knowing, is a new part of my spiritual practice. I want to become more aware of how my clarities manifest in my dreams.

Reflection

My spiritual journey is anything but linear. I see that my desire to interpret my dreams brings me full circle to my spiritual origins with extrasensory perception and divine intuition. It is a spiritual form of coming home.

👩‍💻🎨🖱️ digital mixed media composition: extrasensory, 2025