Like each moment, the words on these pages simply appeared from the Mystery that moves our minds, our hearts, and our lives. This book began many years ago with the title Riding an Ant to the Moon: Spiritual Ambition and the Search for Enlightenment. I never sent it anywhere, but when a delightful editor at Sounds True, Melissa Valentine, contacted me about possibly writing something, I gave her the original manuscript, which has now been updated and transformed to become the book you see today. While the basic premise has not changed over the years, understandings have deepened, and the heart continues to open to an ever-expanding love. I am deeply grateful to Melissa for her invitation, encouragement, warmth, editing skills, and reassurance when it was needed. I also wish to thank the Sounds True staff for their many kindnesses extended in our work together.
No words can express the great love and unending gratitude I feel for the spiritual teachers who appeared most powerfully in my life: Ramana Maharshi and Adyashanti. Yet our lives contain many profound and perfect teachers. I bow especially to those in my immediate family—my husband, Jim, whose generous, loving spirit, even after his passing, still lives intimately in my heart; our children, Julia and Daniel; and our children’s families, including three grandsons, whose joy, uniqueness, and love are continuing gifts.
In addition, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the many friends, students, clients, volunteers, and staff at Moon Mountain Sangha who have shared their lives, talents, questions, insights, and love. You have taught me so much about the power and intimacy of listening and sharing from the heart.
Dear Reader, may you and all beings realize your true Self, the Heart of Awareness that is your essence and birthright. May you recognize the deep wisdom and love within and be showered with the blessings that both begin and end your search in what is timelessly awake right now in each one of us.