Path of Inner Peace and Spiritual Transformation 2007 Faculty

Resource Author:

George W. Barnard, M.D.

Early in his career as a psychiatrist George was interested in the body-mind interaction. While in the Air Force he did psycho-physiological stress research on normal subjects and test pilots who were potential candidates to become astronauts. Later at the University of Florida he worked with patients who had psychosomatic illnesses.
After his retirement from the University of Florida George began his own spiritual journey and documented his process by writing a book entitled In Search of Soul: Journey Toward Wholeness. Subsequently he has developed a companion program, Path of Inner Peace and Spiritual Transformation. This educational program reflects knowledge he gained from his own experience as well as wisdom from the literature of both the East and the West. The goal of the program is to assist individuals who are on a spiritual journey to attain Self Realization and experience their True Self as they become Soul-centered rather than Ego-centered.

Program Faculty:

Dr. J. Daniel Robinson
Minister of Spiritual Direction

While serving as University of Florida (UF) Professor of Pharmacy and Medicine Dr. Robinson authored more than 100 articles, books and software programs. Dr. Robinson has served as Founder and Director of the Center for Computer Applications in Pharmacy, Associate Dean of Innovation, and Executive Dean of the UF College of Pharmacy. For six years Dr. Robinson served as Founder and Director of the Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program with students across America, Germany and Korea. The program is delivered via Internet streaming video, discussion board, regional mentors, and monthly regional weekend meetings.

For the past 10 years Dr. Robinson has been leading spiritual growth and self-discovery retreats utilizing music, pottery, journaling, campfire sacred storytelling, nature walks, labyrinth walks, scripture reading, and contemplative prayer. Dr. Robinson is actively involved in offering one-on-one Anam Cara (soul companioning) to individuals and in missions work. His latest project was the design of the contemplative nature labyrinth for Sholom Park, Ocala, Florida. Dr. Robinson is currently writing intergenerational Self-discovery stories to be read by parents, grandparents and teachers to children as gateways to dialog leading to mutual spiritual growth.

Cliff Lyda, Senior Minister
Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
Elmhurst, Illinois

Although Reverend Lyda has family residing in the Hendersonville, NC and grew up primarily in the Jacksonville, FL areas, he is a Presbyterian pastor living and working in the Chicago area. For over thirty years he has been involved in professional ministry, observing and experiencing the various stages of spiritual development in the lives of people around him. Cliff states that,”His pastoral contact with others is a privilege given to me, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have to be a friend and a guide in matters of the soul.”

Cliff brings a unique perspective to our faculty as represented by the following comment: “While my spiritual background is in the traditional Christian church, times of crisis in my own life have given me a broader understanding of the spiritual traditions of humankind. I consider myself to be a Christian in an ecumenical way, affirming the wisdom of my own tradition as well as appreciating and receiving wisdom that comes from other places. I take great care to respect the working of God’s Spirit in the lives of others, understanding that each person has a journey that is uniquely their own. My task as a spiritual guide is to listen and to offer my own experience as well as the resources of Scripture and two thousand years of Christian tradition.”


G. William Barnard, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religion
Southern Methodist University

Bill is a professor of comparative religion at Southern Methodist University, where he teaches classes on the psychology and anthropology of religion, mysticism, shamanic traditions, and religion and healing. Author of Exploring Unseen Worlds, a text on the philosophy of mysticism, Bill also teaches at the Full Spectrum Healing Arts School where he works with groups and individuals, helping them to come to a deeper awareness of their true nature. After decades of inner work with numerous spiritual teachers and healers, learning a wide variety of practices, including meditation, yoga, aikido, and tai chi, Bill’s life is dedicated to assisting others on their spiritual journey. For more information on Dr. William Barnard go to:

http://www.smu.edu/theology/people/RS_faculty.html

For a photo of Dr. G. William Barnard go to:
www.smu.edu/forum/images/020501i.jpg