Spiritual Memoirs: The Truth is Out There!

When our daughter was a pre-teen, she wanted to put up a poster in her room. We agreed she could decorate her room how she liked, expecting her to pick a musician or actor, but after perusing the choices of posters available, she settled on a simple black and white photo that didn’t reference any movie or TV show, it simply held the words: “The Truth is Out There!” She hung it near her door and every night after tucking her in, I’d turn around and face those words.

Indeed, I’ve come to appreciate the Truth?is?out there. But it requires a little commitment to uncover it—to separate the wheat from the chaff, to peel off the layers of my own conditioning, to distinguish between Truth and Belief, and not to blindly subscribe to what a Beloved Buddhist Teacher I know refers to as the “fantasies of authority.”

Let me be clear. I am not talking about truth as reported in the news or other media coverage. Nor am I talking about UFOs. I am talking about what @Eckhart Tolle calls the deepest truth of human existence. It is a Truth to which the mystics of all religions point. It is a truth that spiritual seekers have long sought.

Truth is . . . there is no easy way to go about seeking the Truth. Still, we do. For most of my life I have embarked on this quest. And along the way, I have greatly appreciated reading the words of people who have traveled the path before me. This is truth told not as a dogma, not as knowledge to be understood, not as something to line up with but as a story to inspire us on our own journeys.

I love when people share their life stories, their hard-earned “truths”—telling as best as they can what they discovered, what moved them, what real-life struggles they encountered along the way. I guess you could say I loved “memoir” long before it was a popular genre.

It started early at age 8 when I read?Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Over the next four years, I read all of the nine books she wrote, immersing myself in the life of a pioneer, struggling against physical odds, braving new territory, crossing America in a covered wagon. Her story captivated my attention. It was real. It was true. It could have been me!

Over the following years I was drawn to other true stories, rushing to read the “Drama in Real Life!” stories reported in the Readers’ Digest Magazines as soon as the latest issue arrived, wondering how I would cope with having my arm mangled in a farm’s thrasher, or whether I could beat off a shark attack.

Sometimes I read stories closer to home like?Anne Frank: the?Diary of a Young Girl,?which was particularly compelling for me because my own mother had been a young child living in Holland during World War II. My mom’s family hid Jews in their house during the war and my grandmother worked for the underground, smuggling weapons—but we never talked about it.

At 13, I travelled abroad for two months to visit family. Some of my strongest memories of that visit relate to the two books I read during my stay:?Papillon—a memoir by a purportedly falsely convicted felon and fugitive describing his escape from?Devil's Island ?and how he stayed sane and kept fit during solitary confinement—and the other:?Coffee, Tea, or Me?—(alleged) memoirs of the licentious lives of two stewardesses. As I was coming of age that summer, my reading material was quite adult inspiring me to be self-disciplined and brave, relentless in a pursuit of freedom and inviting me to reach out and connect with others in ways as yet unexplored.

Eventually, I became interested, particularly, in Spiritual Memoir. Was there a deeper truth to be discovered? Was there something other than the highs and lows of the material mainstream world worthy of seeking? Was there a freedom that came from inner peace? Was there something like fundamental connection with everything? Was mysticism real? But most importantly, were there people who had set out to answer these questions for themselves—who had set out seeking enlightenment or self-realization—and written about what it was like along the way? People who could show me from the ground up, from the inside out, what a spiritual journey looked like and felt like.

Ultimately my reading forays into spiritual memoir have been fundamentally important on my journey, providing inspiration and direction as well as useful bewilderment—getting me out of me head, out of my own limitations. Always I am searching for more—not more stuff . . . or success . . . or fame, but more intimacy, more connection, more mystery, more awe. These things I frequently find in the pages and between the lines of spiritual memoir.

Below is a selection of some of my favorite spiritual memoirs and autobiographies, presented in no particular order:

Autobiography of a Yogi ,?by Paramahansa Yogananda

When I first read this book I couldn’t believe I had never heard of it before. It opened my eyes to an eastern perspective—a completely different way of looking at the world from the American White suburbia where I grew up. I immediately thought it should be required reading in school.

The Teachings of Don Juan ,?by Carlos Castaneda

This along with later of Carlos Castaneda’s books introduced the idea of pursuing?“enlightenment” and opened my eyes to the possibility of piercing the veil. I am forever indebted to Carlos for inspiring me and my husband to start seeking.

?Pathways Through to Space: An Experiential Journal ,?by Franklin Merrell Wolff

Of all the books on this list, this one is closest to my heart and probably the least known. Franklin Merrell Wolff was a Harvard educated mathematician who began studying consciousness in the early part of the twentieth century. This book is the journal of his awakening. In it western science meets eastern mysticism. Although I am a heart-centered person, the erudite and meticulous chronicling of his journey soothes my soul and takes me to Stillness.

Naked Through the Gate: A Spiritual Autobiography ,?By Joel Morwood

Another lesser-known spiritual memoir, this book was written by one of my current spiritual teachers, Joel Morwood, who had his own awakening and then spent a year living with Franklin Merrell Wolff. Joel is the real deal. Check out the Center for Sacred Sciences in Eugene, Oregon and his latest book?The Way of Selflessness.

?Auspicious Good Fortune ,?By Sumangal Morhall

This wonderful story made me have the courage to write my own story and led me to John Hunt Publishing, for which I am so grateful. It is told through the eyes of an ordinary suburban girl, who embarks on her own very unique journey to fulfillment.

Salvation on Sand Mountain ,?By Dennis Covington

An outrageous compelling true story about a journalist investigating snake-handling churches. Ultimately and unexpectedly, he discovers his own unshakable faith among them. This one still sticks with me.

?Swinging on the Garden Gate ,?By Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew

This is a sweet true story by the author of?Writing the Sacred Journey?where she shows us how to share our most challenging truths (in her case her bisexual identity) while leaving us feeling the fragrance of love for all parts of our lives, even those that don’t perfectly match up with our truth.

Red, Hot, and Holy ,?By Sara Beak

Sara Beak’s writing is unfettered and reading it had the same effect on my soul. She reminds me that I too am Red, Hot and Holy.

?Black Elk Speaks ,?By John G. Neihardt

Required college reading, this book helped me appreciate that my non-religious, non-mystical, non-visionary upbringing was a product of cultural conditioning not necessarily the Truth.

Eat Pray Love ,?By Elizabeth Gilbert

Who doesn’t love the easy-going “girl next door” voice of Gilbert in this lovely memoir? When this book came out, several people contacted me saying I needed to write my story because we had a similar style, which helped encourage me to start writing again. When I first reached out to my content editor in the early stages of?More?I asked if she would be interested in working on a book that I thought of as?Eat Pray Love?meets?Fifty Shades of Grey?. . .

Long Quiet Highway ,?By Natalie Goldberg

As a writer, Natalie Goldberg’s?Writing Down the Bones,?inspired me in ways other books for writers had failed. Ever since, I’ve been a Natalie Goldberg fan. But this book took me into the heart of her commitment to both writing and sitting, and as I, too, find the two utterly complementary and intimately tied to my own journey, I greatly appreciated her memoir.

The Caravan of No Despair ,?By Mirabai Starr

Caravan of No Despair drew me in and kept me captivated. It's like reading Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle," but for spiritual seekers. The searing honesty of Ms. Starr's sometimes disturbing personal journey reveals both the sacred and profane linings of an alternative lifestyle—one I once deeply coveted—yet also allows the reader to trust the moments when we feel, through Starr’s telling, the transcendent power of abiding love and a spiritual life that sustains her despite everything—even when she had no more desire of it, even in the heart of deepest grief.

An Interrupted Life ,?By Etty Hillesum

One of the most important books I’ve ever read. Another I think of as required reading. It’s?Anne Frank: the?Diary of a Young Girl?for adults searching for inner peace amid horrific conditions. Any spiritual seeker whose wondered if the Path can be enough to sustain during the most challenging circumstances, must read this book. Etty found peace during oppression and was a ray of light in the concentration camps. Plus she introduced me to Rilke.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life ,?By Anne Lamott

I found this book at a writer’s conference I was helping organize the day after my own life turned upside down. This book reminded me to pay close attention while I was going through tough times. I reference an excerpt from this book in my own memoir,?More . . . journey to mystical?

The Snow Leopard ,?By Peter Mathieson

A beautifully written memoir, that is both soul searching and poetic. One of the first spiritual memoirs I read. It made me appreciate the importance of going on a pilgrimage.

Tantrika: Traveling the Road of Divine Love ,?By Asra Q. Nomani

I found Asra Nomani’s book just as I finished my own and immediately felt her kindred spirit. I was impressed with how she shows the Tantric process of deconstructing our ordinary selves. As she says herself, the journey is about confronting the most ugly and dark in the world to find divine love. Nomani is an amazing presence in the world today, standing up for her own truth as a Muslim feminist. Her book,?Standing Alone: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam?treads similar ground and is a worthy read too

The Interior Castle ,?By St. Teresa of Avila

This book came my way via a recommendation from Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew, author of?Writing the Sacred Journey. It came to me at a moment when I needed a lift. It validated my tough day by reminding me to be gentle for there would be tough challenges, then soothed my disquieted soul with an uplifting impassioned voice of devotion and love.

?I know why the Caged Bird Sings ,?By Maya Angelou

For years I had heard of Maya Angelou and read some of her poems. Finally I read her memoir and found in it an ease talking about all of life, just as it is, including the painful. In the end one is uplifted despite the content. Her honesty and plain speaking allow us to live big and rich despite our flawed lives—and then to write about it too.

Don Juan and the Art of Sexual Energy ,?By Merilyn Tunneshende

Like Carlos Castaneda’s books, this book opened my eyes to a new way of seeing and experiencing the world. This book, however, went on to play a fundamental role in my own journey, for shortly after reading it I learned that the author herself would be teaching a shamanic dreaming workshop near to me. I would later accompany her on a rare women’s journey to the Yucatan. The insights gleaned from those experiences are featured largely in my own memoir,?More.

The Love Spell: An Erotic Memoir of Spiritual Awakening ,?By Phyllis Curott

What I loved most about this book was the allowing of magic. But I also greatly appreciated the confluence of two different worlds: that of a highly capable attorney and that of an intuitive practicing Wiccan. The two parts collide and collaborate as the author embarks on a search for love and identity coining herself a Tantrika Zen Witch, a term with which I can relate.

On Writing ,?By Stephen King

Other than?The Stand,?I am not a Stephen King fan per se, but I greatly appreciated this mix of memoir and writing advice—it’s a must read for wannabe authors!

?Wild ,?By Cheryl Strayed

Taking on writing a memoir is a bit like deciding to walk the Pacific Crest Trail alone with a massive backpack while recovering from painful memories. It’s an arduous struggle much of the time, but wildly fulfilling and empowering nonetheless and along the way you get to know yourself much better. Strayed shows us both in this wonderful memoir.

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Life ,?By Dan Millman

I read this book many years ago at the start of my own inquiry and still get a warm feeling in my chest when I think about it. It’s ultimately about being happy for no particular reason.

Waiting for God ,?By Simone Weil

After a mystical experience, Simone shares her deepest insights. Simone Weil shows us what it means to introspect deeply and to challenge the dogma and expectations of belief or faith in exchange for a deeper truth.

Learning to Fly ,?By Sam Keen

This is a fun memoir about a guy who takes up trapeze at age 60. He talks about the potential for growth and overcoming limitations that it offered him. This memoir helped inspire me to take up rock climbing at age 53.

Lame Deer Seeker of Visions ,?By John (Fire) Lame Deer

Another college reading assignment, it was fun to see the world from a completely different perspective.

Sastun ,?By Rosita Arvigo

This is a wonderful story of the author’s dream to create a natural healing center in the rainforests of Belize. Her farm and practice run into trouble, but then she meets Don Elijio, one of the most respected traditional Mayan medicine men in the rainforest. Her subsequent apprenticeship to him drives him to want to preserve his knowledge. It’s a lovely and inspiring cross-cultural story of friendship and commitment.

The Cosmic Serpent ,?By Jeremy Narby

This one will blow your mind. It is a non-fiction book that reads like a mystery novel and covers Anthropologist Narby’s two years of fieldwork with Amazonian shamans. Are the double serpents seen in ancient mythology double-strands of the DNA helix? Do the shamans who partake of ayahuasca communicate with DNA?

Secrets of the Talking Jaguar ,?By Martin Prechtel

What can I say? I love reading true stories about Mayan shamans. They call to my heart and this one did too. And such a beautiful cover!?Artwork is by the author himself.

Travels ,?By Michael Crichton

?I love feeling Crichton’s insatiable curiosity and need to experience things for himself in this book. I love that all the stories are true and that they rival and even surpass the stuff he makes up! This one took me by surprise. Loved it.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly ,?By Jean-Dominique Bauby

I read this one aloud, slowly, so compelling was it to hear the few words someone would choose to write when left with only one blinking eye but a drive to communicate and share their experience. Spell-binding!

Being Mrs. Smith ,?By Cheryl Smith

Reading?Being Mrs. Smith?brought me to the reaches of my own heart. In a lilting, sweet voice one can feel on every page the love that flows between Mr. and Mrs. Smith and on to the rest of us. I watched my own emotions struggle to make things different for them, to “fix” problems as they arose on their adventure and to come to see that all of it was and is imperfectly perfect—a paradox the mind hates, but the heart accepts. Mrs. Smith shows us in Being Mrs.?Smith?that Love has a song all its own that keeps singing.

Believe and It is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons , by Deborah Lloyd

What a sweet and inspiring book--so easy to read! I appreciated how the story started out slow and kept building momentum, pointing to increasing synchronicities and divine magic as Deborah forayed into new and unfamiliar healing territory (Reiki and shamanic energy) and began to trust her own intuition. Deborah shows us beautifully and first hand that it is possible to change stubborn conditioned paradigms, even one as seemingly concrete as "crippled polio girl."?

Finally, I include my own award-winning spiritual memoir, More . . . Journey to mystical union through the sacred and the profane to help it reach a wider audience.?

Asra Nomani, author of?Tantrika: Traveling the Road of Divine Love,?describes it?as "much more than a journey of a woman and man findinghealing through sexual intimacy, orgasmic pleasure and sensual adventure, allof which it includes. It is the journey of a human spirit moving to inner peacewith herself so she can find divine union with another. It is more than a self-help book. MORE is a book of transcendence that speaks to all people as we attempt to rise above our fears and traumas to our higher selves."

I encourage you all to dive in to these wonderful true stories of seekers on journey to discover the deepest truth of human existence. Please contact me if you are aware of others that you recommend that I have not included! [email protected]