What? You want me to do what?

That was my reaction in June of 2023 while watching Conference online. Spirit and J-R came forward and sent the clear message that I was to write my Doctor of Spiritual Science (DSS) Practical Treatise (PT) and graduate. It had been 23 years since I finished my 3 years of DSS. I was in the first class, starting in 1997 and finishing in 2000. I wasn’t even sure it was possible at this point. I checked with PTS and they said yes it was! I was floored again! I went inside and had a conversation with J-R. I reminded him that in the 2000’s he and I agreed that I was complete and I chose to let it go. This time he said that I was complete then, but by doing so now it would be an opportunity to expand my consciousness in ways I couldn’t imagine. What do you say to that?! I said “okay.”

In order to graduate you need to do a paper called a Practical Treatise. To get the process started it was suggested that I take DSS5. In DSS5 you have to do a Ministerial Project. A part of the PT is a Service Study. I decided to do my Service Study as that DSS 5 ministerial project. I created a 33 day study utilizing an aspect of spirituality that made a difference for me. Then I asked others to participate in the same study to see if they also found value. I had fun with it. I let Spirit help me choose the participants. Spirit surprised me in some cases. I learned so much during the entire process. What a gift! I asked eight people; five people in MSIA and three not in MSIA. Two people chose not to do it (That was part of my learning). So, that left four people in MSIA and two people not in MSIA. It was worth the entire process of taking the PT journey. Here’s a portion of what I asked and provided.

First was to start the day with a daily intention. We all used the same one. I provided the participants with a laminated card. The premise was that we’re divine beings having a human experience. Here it is:

Daily Intention:

Observe and experience a deeper connection

Understanding and acceptance

Of living in this world as a Divine Being having a human experience

Recognizing we are all one

Learning to love ourselves and each other

Through our compassion, forgiveness, laughter and joy.

The idea was to experience Connections with others. They could be an actual interaction, an experience from afar, or even with perhaps music or something written (remember, a spiritual being having a human experience created that music etc.) One day I connected with the song “Silly Little Love Song” by Paul McCartney. It made my day! I provided my participants with a journal. They were then asked to record daily at least one entry about a Connection they had experienced that day. At the end of the 33 days, they were asked to choose 5-10 Connections to share with me and tell me why they chose those particular connections. The “why” was a fascinating and profound experience for me. Here are two from my experience.

Connection 3: Day 5 September 25, 2023 “Homeless Man Under the Freeway”

I was waiting under an underpass for the light to change. I looked over at a couple of grocery carts filled with stuff. Obviously, a homeless person – BUT – it all was so organized and I could clearly see a dust pan. There was much love in the entire set up. I was filled with love for whoever it was. Actually, I felt a strong love connection. I got that they are a divine being – a soul – having a human experience and that there was no separation between their soul and mine. Thank You God for letting me see this more and more clearly.

Why I chose this connection:

This observation (which was less than two minutes) and the experience affected me deeply. I still think of it often. Once when I went past on a separate/different day he was sweeping his little patch of pavement. I experienced God and humanity in a very simple profound way.

Connection 6: Day 28 October 18, 2023 “Nurses Clinic”

Sitting in the Nurse’s Clinic waiting for Blood Pressure check 132/63 and my flu shot, another lady named Cynthia was there and obviously in pain. I was uncomfortable, put on my mask. I just observed myself and my process. The office became full. Finally, this one man spoke up and asked the other Cynthia if there was anything he could do – knock on the door, etc. She said, “No, they know I’m here.” She apologized to all of us. No one knew quite what to do. The gentleman said “Maybe I can get you some water?” She said no. Another man said, “I could use a beer.” Cynthia said “me too.” We all spontaneously broke out laughing, even Cynthia. There was humanness, pain, concern, compassion and eventually laughter. After she went in, I thanked the man for speaking up and trying to help. I was holding the Light as best I could but never actually said anything to her.

Why I chose this connection:

This is another one of those that has stayed with me. Everyone in that waiting area was completely involved (while probably trying not to be). The pain and uncomfortableness was like an elephant in the room. I didn’t seem to be able to do anything except call in the Light – yet – I felt I “should” be doing something else. The immediate and authentic laughter after the “beer” comment broke open the ability for all of us to let go and let God in. The humanness and divinity became so clear. Such clarity of how they can and do work together on this level and place.

Of course, there was much more involved in my journey of writing and completing my PT. This was just a part, but such a powerful part. I loved the interactions with others. I did step out of my comfort zone and received so much loving as did my participants.

News Flash: I did it!

My Practical Treatise was approved and I will be graduating this June 2025. The title of my PT is, Connecting with the Divine in Myself and Others: Loving It All. I am so grateful for the experience.

J-R was right in giving me that nudge in 2023. I’m glad I accepted.

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Have you been waiting and wanting to write your Practical Treatise?  Reach out to Aspen@pts.org for more information on the Practical Treatise program and PT submissions for the 2025-26 academic year.