“Go for it,” my husband said in June 2007, when I asked him about my signing up for the Doctor of Divinity degree offered through the University of Metaphysics, Sedona, Arizona, U.S.A.

So I enrolled.  The requirements are vigorous. Step one is to become an Ordained Minister in the World-Wide International Metaphysical Ministry, which I completed at the end of 2007. Step two is to write a Masters Thesis. When that is approved, one moves on to write the Doctoral Dissertation.  Upon acceptance, one earns a Doctor of Divinity degree expressed by D.D. after one’s name.

“Congratulations, you did it!” my husband whooped in November 2008, when I told him my dissertation had been accepted. (He had also whooped in April 2008 when my Masters Thesis was approved.)  My husband is a medical doctor so M.D. follows his name. Now that I have achieved the Doctor of Divinity standing, I have letters after my name too, Sylvia Silk, D.D.

As I write this, I am reminded of the Zen saying, “Before your D.D., chop wood, carry water. After your D.D., chop wood, carry water.” That is so true.  But for those who value extended education, my Doctor of Divinity represents hours, weeks and months on the computer, persistence, perseverance, focus and finding a deeper love of writing.  For me, writing is like sculpting is to the sculptor. I carve and shape the body of the text until it “feels right”.  Working on my dissertation was a joyous endeavor as well as a dedication; if you have an interest in reading it click here.

The title of my dissertation is Finding Our Way Back HOME To Heaven On Earth.  It is a timely piece about the shift in consciousness all of humanity is experiencing right now in 2008.  I begin the paper with a quote from Barbara Marx Hubbard, “A radical change is occurring in our collective consciousness today. More and more of us all over the world are awakening and experiencing… a deeper presence and purpose, a greater sense of joy and a newfound selflessness and compassion.”  Where are we? How did we get here? How do we get back HOME?  These are the questions my paper explores. I would appreciate your comments if you choose to read my dissertation.

Until you return, fill your days with GIGGLES, JOY, and APPRECIATION!