Terry, a longtime resident of Galveston for 30 years, traces his life journey from New Mexico to Galveston. Initially running an art gallery in Santa Fe, he and his wife established a successful gallery in Galveston, fostering connections within the community. Reflecting on his past, Terry recounts experiences in Cambridge, New York, and Eugene, Oregon, where he delved into art history, Buddhism, and encountered the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Terry’s spiritual exploration intensified during a transformative moment in a French Gothic Cathedral, leading him to engage with the Gurdjieff community in Cambridge. A pivotal period in New York, marked by migraines and deep introspection, prompted a profound shift, liberating him from fears and emotional immaturity.

After separating amicably from his wife, Terry moved to New Mexico, becoming a studio artist in a ghost town. His artistic journey included notable commissions in Albuquerque and along Route 66. Eventually settling in Galveston, Terry and his wife established a thriving business, incorporating a yoga studio. His spiritual journey took another turn when introduced to Buddhism, leading him to silent retreats and meditation practices.

Terry’s narrative weaves through diverse locations, art, spirituality, and personal growth, culminating in a transformative period that shaped his identity and perspective on life.

Terry shares his engagement with a captivating book, praising its engaging and beautifully written style. Despite being described by some as “Buddha Light,” Terry finds depth and humor in the narrative, appreciating its lack of scholarly tone. The book focuses on the Eightfold Path, illustrating each step through anecdotes about the author’s students, presented in a storytelling manner that resonates with Terry.

Intrigued by the book, Terry decides to attend a retreat, initially feeling nervous but finding reassurance from the retreatants. The retreat, set in an old stone monastery in Natick, Massachusetts, proves transformative for Terry. He experiences a deep sense of calm and peace, having insightful moments about his attractions and aversions. Realizing the joy in recognizing the arbitrary nature of these judgments, Terry feels a sense of clarity and elation, even doing somersaults on his way back to his room.

The book also influences Terry’s contemplative moments in nature, especially during his time on a mountain outside Santa Fe. The wisdom gained from the text informs his connection with the surroundings, adding depth to his appreciation of nature. Overall, the book and the retreat mark significant moments in Terry’s spiritual journey, introducing him to a more profound understanding of the self and the world around him.

Terry reflects on the possibility of enlightenment, emphasizing that everyone possesses the potential for it, albeit in fragments. He acknowledges the substantial commitment required, drawing parallels to figures like Maharishi who spent years meditating for a profound awakening. Terry views enlightenment as a form of maturity, noting the various levels of growth humans undergo physically, mentally, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

According to Terry, spiritual maturity involves recognizing interconnections, causes, conditions, and interdependence. He sees it as a natural progression in fulfilling human potential, embracing the idea that individuals already possess everything needed for happiness. Terry introduces the concept of bodhicitta, emphasizing that enlightenment is not solely for personal gain but for the benefit of others. He underscores the power of spiritual fellowship, where individuals collectively experience glimpses of awakenings and dissolve assumptions and delusions.

Terry draws inspiration from historical figures like the Buddha, highlighting the importance of spreading wisdom and engaging with the world. He stresses the spontaneous result of teaching, with all enlightened individuals actively participating in the world, sharing their fellowship to inspire collective maturation and positive change in relationships, businesses, and daily lives.

In the realm of personal relationships, Terry emphasizes a profound impact on family and friends through spiritual growth. He notes the deepening of commitment and a heightened recognition of others. Terry believes that a fundamental shift occurs as individuals begin to see themselves in a different light, allowing them to perceive others more deeply beyond surface-level stories or identities.

Terry shares his experience with a brainwave optimization process introduced to him 15 years ago. Initially integrated into his business, the process, resembling meditation, offered transformative glimpses. Terry and his wife learned the technique, recognizing its potential benefits for individuals with time constraints. He contrasts the business aspect with the broader perspective of it being a valuable tool for personal development, echoing the influence of spiritual insights on various aspects of life. According to Terry, this shift in perception touches every aspect of life, causing a transformative ripple effect.

Once introduced to a variety of practices, Terry describes the experience as a feast, offering a plethora of options, including the ten Raziq and Riverside Intro practices. He emphasizes the importance of personal temperament in choosing and connecting with a particular practice. While he engages with the ten Raziq weekly and incorporates a daily routine of the Riverside Intro, Terry recognizes the individualized nature of practice selection.

Terry reflects on the significance of connection with a practice and the journey toward sustaining that connection. He acknowledges that the sense of connection may take time to develop, and the choice of practices varies for each person. Terry’s criterion for the efficacy of a practice lies in whether it contributes to the enhancement of well-being, awareness, presence, and freedom.

Highlighting the diversity of preferences, Terry notes that some may find fulfillment in the comprehensive 21 Tara’s practice, while others may resonate with different practices that suit their unique landscape. He emphasizes the individualized nature of these choices and acknowledges the influence of experienced teachers like Siri, who, after decades of study, gravitated toward certain practices while retaining the ability to teach others. The common thread in these practices, according to Terry, is their focus on connection and being, aligning with the pursuit of well-being and presence.

Terry, residing in New Mexico, shares his journey into prison work, initially inspired by the drive past a prison during his work in an Artisan Schools program. At the request of his teacher, Siri, Terry starts responding to jail mail and eventually becomes deeply involved in teaching meditation and the Dharma within the prison system. From organizing ethics classes to initiating a faith-based dorm on the Ramsey unit, Terry becomes an advocate for contemplative practices in prisons. Despite facing challenges and opposition, Terry’s commitment to sharing meditation and wisdom with inmates expands, creating connections and transforming lives within the prison community. His efforts extend beyond one prison, inspiring others to join in this transformative work.

In Terry’s reflections on meditation and its impact, he emphasizes its multifaceted benefits for health, social dynamics, and personal growth. Using humor, he often mentions that meditation is good for “confusion, concentration, and constipation.” He delves into the personal journey of recognizing confusion and self-grasping, pointing out that maturity and responsibility are crucial outcomes of meditation. Terry highlights the transformative power of understanding interdependence and the emptiness of fixed beliefs, fostering a sense of unity and reducing conflicts. The discussion extends to his “Lojong” correspondence course, where inmates commit to meditate daily for 14 months, accompanied by teachings that deepen their understanding of the Dharma. He shares gratifying testimonials from participants, showcasing the positive transformations in their lives. As for the future of the Clear Life Project, Terry remains open-ended, acknowledging the ongoing refinement of the program and expressing uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Terry shares his deep connection with his teacher, Surya Das, recounting their interactions and the impact of attending retreats. He describes the diverse group of individuals Syria attracted, ranging from scholars to everyday people, forming a meaningful sangha. Despite the absence of a local sangha in his current area, Terry values his friendships from the past and acknowledges the presence of other groups like Don Mountain in Houston. He highlights the influence of Brendan Kennedy, another friend from Syria’s circle, and mentions occasional engagements with a Zen group in town. Terry’s involvement extended beyond his personal practice, as he played a role in supporting the retreat logistics, including building a bookstore and managing the retreat materials. Additionally, he details his contribution to the business aspects, such as retreat registrations. Terry reflects on the collaborative effort in organizing a 100-day retreat and the special visit from His Holiness Drupad Rinpoche during the introductory retreat.

Terry shares his deep connection with his teacher, Surya Das, recounting their interactions and the impact of attending retreats. He describes the diverse group of individuals Syria attracted, ranging from scholars to everyday people, forming a meaningful sangha. Despite the absence of a local sangha in his current area, Terry values his friendships from the past and acknowledges the presence of other groups like Don Mountain in Houston. He highlights the influence of Brendan Kennedy, another friend from Syria’s circle, and mentions occasional engagements with a Zen group in town. Terry’s involvement extended beyond his personal practice, as he played a role in supporting the retreat logistics, including building a bookstore and managing the retreat materials. Additionally, he details his contribution to the business aspects, such as retreat registrations. Terry reflects on the collaborative effort in organizing a 100-day retreat and the special visit from His Holiness Drupad Rinpoche during the introductory retreat.