Entered Pacifica: 1996
Current Occupation
Owner and operator of Bridging Worlds Retreat Center,Hot Springs, North Carolina see www.tayriaward.com
Where You Live
In the mountains of Western North Carolina, a remote spot nearly an hour's drive from Asheville.
What Brought You To Pacifica?
The desire to study Depth Psychology, I was so excited when this Ph.D. was offered by Pacifica, truly a pioneering school.
How Has Your Pacifica Degree Served You Professionally In Your Occupation/Vocation?
My study at Pacifica influences nearly everything I do, from teaching and lecturing, to group work, dreamwork, oracular consultations. And the fact that I have a Ph.D. means that people trust my work more instinctively when they come to my retreats, and also I am offered lecturing opportunities in a much broader spectrum of organizations than I would without it, certainly.
How Has Your Degree Served You Personally?
I believe the study of depth psychology influences everything about how I see the world and its inhabitants, human and non-human, and certainly has set me on an unending path of discovery and inner work. I find that I have more compassion with the understanding of how the psyche is affected by every experience, by our memories, culture, ancestry and even our biology.
What Was The Meaningful Or Memorable Part Of The Pacifica Experience For You?
I think there are too many to name. Working with some of the greatest minds on the planet, as well as the experience of an intelligent and lively group going through such an intensive journey for three years together, stand out. But there are many more specific memories that I cherish.
Dissertation Title
Reawakening Indigenous Sensibilities in the Western Psyche
Other Publications
I'm working on a book based upon the writing in my dissertation, and the development of my thoughts since then. Otherwise, I have written articles for several newsletters, but have been remiss in getting writing out to publications that might add my thoughts to the writings in the field. I regret and hope to amend this.
Areas of Interest
As far as indigenous studies go, I find that living among the mountain people in Appalachia is an undiscovered treasure-house of wisdom, mostly unrecorded to my knowledge. I have been living among them and respectfully learning from them, waiting to have deeper insight and perspective before I try to formulate my experience and observations into words. I have a fat files of notes. I do dream work and also have studied the tarot (which a dream told me to do 15 years ago), and offer these readings and classes locally quite a bit.
Contact Information
tayriaw@sbcglobal.net 828-627-0755 1168 Max Patch Rd.Hot Springs, NC 28743Tayria Ward, Ph.D.
