Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Carolyn Myss, "Entering the Castle"
A few nights ago, I heard Carolyn Myss speak in San Francisco. (See earlier blogs on Harvey interview). I will admit I was a bit wary of her, mainly because of some statements she made years ago implicating someone unjustly in a misdeed. Also, friends had warned me that she was rather harsh in her manner.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. Since her "vision" of St. Teresa, she has mellowed and softened. Indeed, it is clear that she has undergone a profound spiritual awakening (she herself said that the spiritual element was for many years missing in her life.) Her account of her experience was revealing and witty, both entertaining and informative.
Just before Teresa appeared to her, she (Carolyn) experienced a grand mal seizure. She had never experienced such an event before, nor has she since. She was at the time busy writing a new book under contract to a New York publisher, but when Teresa spoke to her, calling her "daughter," she gave up all thought of the book she was working on. She deleted the manuscript from her computer, threw out all her notes and references, and began anew. (Any writer will appreciate the enormity of this sacrifice.) When she called her editor to tell her what she had done, there was a long silence on the other end. Finally, her editor said, "Well, tell Teresa she's got five months." And later Carolyn herself asked Teresa, "Can you write?"
During the composition of "Entering the Castle," Carolyn felt Teresa's presence constantly, though she never spoke to her again. Once the book was completed, Teresa left and Carolyn had no more contact.
Carolyn herself did not want to include her personal encounter as part of "Entering," but her editor insisted. Indeed, it takes great courage to "go public" with such intimate accounts--one fears that others will think you "have lost it," or are exaggerating. But Carolyn is clearly a woman of spunk and courage. This is not the first time she has "crossed the boundaries" of convention. (Remember, that for years she was a medical intuitive, working with doctors for the diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses.)
Yes, she is still a bit "salty." (She spoke of herself as "crusty.") But her defenses have to a great extent come down. She is no longer afraid to reveal her inner being to others, and was received enthusiastically by the audience.
She has, it seems, crossed the moat and entered the castle, which is the true self, the divine presence waiting to welcome us all.
