Interview With Phyllis Reid, Author "Anchor in the Spirit as God Beings - More Than Mere Humans"

Phyllis Reid holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Socialnight instead of a quick shower; engaging in simple
Work, an Honor's Degree in Psychology and aexercises that stimulate the mind and body, such
bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science. Sheas deep breathing or stretching. Finally the power
works as a Psychotherapist, Behavior Modificationof prayer and meditation, songs and chants are
specialist and Traumatologist with adults anddocumented through Neuro-science and other
children. She is trained in Journalism and Dramaticresearch to have a life enhancing effect on the
Arts and has worked in Journalism and Stage andmind, body and the quality of life. Of course
Film. She has been a metaphysical/Truthreading books that calm the emotions, renew the
practitioner for over 30 years.mind and reinforce spiritual awareness reduce and
Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, Phyllis.prevent stress, strain and anxiety.
Would you start out by telling us why you felt theTyler: Phyllis, how do you think prayer and
need to write "Anchor in the Spirit as God Beings?meditation change one's consciousness?
Phyllis: It is my pleasure to be here. Thank youPhyllis: Consciousness is the sum total of the
for having me. A more appropriate answer mightthoughts, beliefs, feelings and attitudes that
be why I published "Anchor in the Spirit as Godimpact an individual's life. Hence, if we are
Beings" at this time, since the book was written inmanifesting certain conditions in our life, and want
1988 under the title of "Mountaintop Living." It satto change these conditions, we must first change
on my bookshelf, joined later by three otherour existing thoughts, beliefs, feelings and
manuscripts, until I published it in June of 2007. Iattitudes, which created the condition in the first
changed the title to "Anchor in the Spirit as Godplace. To change our thoughts and beliefs will
Beings: More than Mere Human," as a message tochange our mind or our intellectual knowing that
overcoming the stress and strain of today's hecticmakes us who we are. The Apostle Paul
lifestyle and coping with the demands of dailyadmonishes, "Be ye transformed by the renewing
living.of your mind." Enlightenment comes through
I felt compelled to publish it at this time toknowledge and knowledge changes our
address the high degree of stress, frustration andminds-thoughts and beliefs. Through psychology
dis-satisfaction I found to be rampant in thewe know of the phases of the mind, the id, ego
workplace, among associates, co-workers, friends,and super-ego. In philosophy they are termed the
clients and in talking with people in general. Iconscious, unconscious and super-conscious. The
wanted to contribute more and felt restricted inmind, body, spirit connection is made part of the
my role as a clinician. I felt the spiritualmass consciousness over the last two to three
component, that could offer so much, wasdecades. Prayer and meditation help us to focus,
missing. I got great satisfaction from my work ascalm and relax our minds, emotions and physical
a psychotherapist to children and their families, butbodies. Affirming spiritual or higher thoughts raises
I also felt the stress, frustration and emptiness ofthe consciousness not only on the conscious level
others and missed being able to offer the hope,of mind but also on the unconscious level that
peace and contentment of the spiritualaccepts whatever is felt deeply on an emotional
component of life.level. Meditation, taking thoughts, beliefs and
I then decided to find a way to offer servicefeelings deep into the unconscious and
from a more spirit based perspective to givesuper-conscious levels of mind, create fast and
individuals hope, a sense of control over their ownlasting changes in our consciousness. These
lives and the peace and contentment that wouldchanges take place on the inside, bringing
follow. I decided to quit the practice, publish myeffective and lasting changes to the mind, body
book and incorporate it in offering alternatives forand spirit.
peace, personal control and lasting change. I mustTyler: The publication of your book itself speaks
reinforce here that as a society we must offerto your state of mind and being open to the
alternatives to the stress filled, fast pacedpossibilities that made the publication easier for
lifestyles of today. Already we are seeing theyou. Would you tell us a little bit about that
impact in the high levels of anxiety among adultsexperience?
and children and the consequences in both thePhyllis: The publication of "Anchor in the Spirit as
medical and mental health arenas.God Beings" is a testament to the guidance and
Tyler: I understand you drew upon your owndirection in the spirit directed life. When I wrote
experiences in writing the book, particularly in thethe manuscript in 1988, my plan was to use it as
difficulties of leaving your native Jamaica andthe material for presenting workshops dealing with
transitioning into living in the United States. Whatspiritual transformation. It was at the urging of
about that transition caused you to call upon yourfriends who used the material that I considered
spiritual side?publishing it. I was fully committed to having it
Phyllis: To escape the political turmoil in mypublished in early 2007. Up to the time when I
country during the seventies I migrated to thetook leave of my clinical position on March 9,
United States. At just over thirty, I left a secure2007, I had no idea how it would be published, I
job, good career opportunities, family, friends, aarranged to meet with a published author two
good social life and most importantly, the securitydays later, after church. In that meeting she
and stability of functioning in my matriarchalinstructed me to get two publications that would
cultural environment. I was always positive,guide me in making my decision; she actually lent
confident and forward thinking and moving.me one of hers until I acquired my own. By the
I made the choice to live in South Florida becausenext Monday morning, I was well on my way to
of the tropical climate, the cultural mix and Iself-publishing "Anchor in the Spirit as God Beings."
thought I could find a good fit. There was someI made the decision to self publish due to time
strain in adjusting to the patriarchal demand to beconstraint and to have control over the contents
"tough and aggressive," but my biggestmaterial. The contents and format of the book
confrontation was adjusting to the strong racialwere very personal and important to me. I did
overtone and undertone. In interviews I wasnot want to wait two years to acquire a publishing
frequently asked, "As a black woman how do youcontract; it was important to me to have the
think etc." This was illogical and a culture shock formaterial ready for dissemination as a presentation
me. I was from a class structured environmenttool as soon as possible. From the beginning to
where intelligence and character were whatthe end of publishing the book, the right people
mattered, not the color of the skin. A Viceand opportunities manifested at the perfect times.
President in a company informed me that I wasWithin seven weeks the book was ready to be
too intelligent, well spoken and well dressed in silkprinted. At the very end the printer got
for a black woman. I was unable to utilize myoff-schedule, which lent to some re-typing and
intelligence and skills. I felt lock out of opportunitiesassembling that contributed to some typing,
to advance and I felt frustrated. The president ofspelling and proofing errors.
a large corporation tried to counsel me in mySince publication in June, the experience continues
dilemma, "Phyllis, he said, you have three strikesto be busy and fulfilling. The response to the book
against you, you are black, a woman and ahas been very rewarding. In endorsements
foreigner, so it is not going to be easy."readers have said that "Anchor in the Spirit" is
I was engaged in spiritual pursuits prior to arriving"the perfect guide book for beginners as well as
in the US and continued to do so. However, as Iexperienced spiritual practitioners." This is heart
searched for answers to adjust and cope in thewarning as that was what I intended in writing it.
new culture and environment I sought spiritualOthers have applauded the spiritual contents,
answers. A Pastor told me that I lacked faith andsome of who are ministers. Still others have
needed to trust in God to help me. My owncommented on the calming effect it has had on
Minister advised me to turn to the Christ withinthem and find it very useful in helping them
for answers. So at that point I went all out in mydevelop a prayer life. I am now involved in the
effort to have more "Faith in God" and to knowpromotion and presentation of the book and am
"The Christ within me." It worked. Over anenjoying sharing it with the public and especially
eight-year period, it gave me the answers Ihearing how it is impacting their lives.
needed as well as the peace, strength, addedTyler: It's wonderful, Phyllis, that you've had such
courage, confidence, assurance, and security toa positive response in such a short time. You said
cope, adjust and live my life on purpose.earlier you wrote the book to use in workshops.
Tyler: Would you tell us a little about the book'sDo you still give workshops and what can one
organization? I understand it is divided into fourexpect from a workshop-what principles from the
sections?book do you use in the workshops?
Phyllis: Yes, it is in four sections. In organizing andPhyllis: Yes, workshops and inspirational talks are
presenting the material for the book a few thingsnot only promotional tools for the book, but are
were uppermost in my mind.the thrust of my message of achieving peace,
1). First, I wanted to make it as simple andfulfillment, balance and harmony through spiritual
straight forward as possible for the readers. I didtransformation. I offer weekly workshops on
not want to use words and phrases that wouldvarious aspects of the book, depending on the
be difficult to grasp.group to whom I am presenting. I am well
2). I wanted the book to be as authentic asaccepted at the New Age Centers for workshops
possible, that is, I wanted it to reveal as much offollowed by book signings and do one or two
my own experience as possible. I did not want itevery week. I am also invited to give inspirational
just to mimic ideas from other books or writers.talks at some New Thought churches. Due mostly
3). I hoped it would be a sort of hands-onto time constraints since publication of the book, I
guidebook, easy to understand, easy to carryam just now able to begin marketing for
around, easy to read and to put into practice; thispresentations to a larger audience-spiritual and
way it could eliminate for others, the exhaustivecorporate.
search I went through in my search/study ofIn my workshops I utilize material from "Anchor in
Truth.the Spirit as God Beings" that is relevant to the
Once I decided on the above points, I wanted togroup. One of my main topics for workshop is
assemble and present the content in the way itspiritual transformation and applying and living
impacted and changed my consciousness. So Ispiritual principles to change our lives. Here I utilize
told my story from the beginning, outlining whataspects of the book as Desire-to begin the
precipitated my search in the introduction. Inspiritual journey, commitment and work through
Section 1, I present the thoughts and beliefs thatthe transformative aspects of the materials. The
had to be accepted in consciousness to facilitate aareas of the Divine nature of God and man, living
transformation. This began with the concept ofas a God being or spiritual being, are enlightening
the self, not as mere human with all its frailties,and transforming for many. Finally the areas of
but as a Divine child of God-a God Being, heir toprayer, meditation, singing and forgiveness act as
the kingdoms of both heaven and earth. Thishands-on transformative tools and are usually well
section gives assurances for living as a spiritualreceived. This past week I spoke at a New
being, the desire and commitment one mustThought church on the topic of Beginning
engage to experience a change, and finally theAnew-not Beginning Again-for the New Year. Here
spiritual journey itself.the thrust was breaking the cycle of doing things
Section II offers the intellectual and spiritualover and over again, varying the patterns just
enlightenment needed to transform the mind andenough, which give rise to failure. Beginning Anew
enlighten the spirit. It presents Truth basedwas the spiritual approach of turning within,
material on the nature of God, the relationship ofrecognizing the spiritual qualities of faith, trust,
man to God and accepting the self as a Spiritualconfidence, courage, inspiration and stepping forth
Divine child of God. It then addresses ideas on theassured of the guidance and support of the Spirit.
Kingdom of Heaven, where it is, how toThe workshops are very interactive and the
experience it and how to live as a Divine being-theimpact and feedback are evident. My talks are
Christ of God.always very well received, the congregants do
Section III presents the thoughts, beliefs andreport on the impact of the message to them
methods to employ to attain spiritual mastery andand I am always invited back to speak.
live as a Divine being-a God Being/child of God.Tyler: Phyllis, you've obviously been living a spiritual
The ideas are presented as "Keys to thelife for many years. What advice would you give
Kingdom" living here on earth in a spiritual state ofto those just starting on a spiritual journey, but
peace and harmony, with a sense of purpose andconstantly distracted by unhappy relationships,
belonging. It presents ideas on areas of our lifehealth problems, jobs they dislike, and other
that must be addressed to have a spiritualmaterial concerns?
transformation. The importance of the tools ofPhyllis: My first advice to those beginning their
Prayer, Forgiveness, Meditation, Praise, Blessingspiritual journeys is to remain calm and focused
and Giving Thanks are explained. In addition toon their desire. The spiritual path is a journey not
presenting the materials, hands-on techniques area destination; it takes time. They should pray for
presented to include prayer, meditation, songs,Divine guidance to be guided to the right path for
chants, psalms, and contemplative readings tothem. I believe the path is personal for each
facilitate consciousness change as it is beingperson, and rightly so for we have all had
followed.different life experiences and thus different issues
Section IV presents living life as a spiritual being.to overcome. There must be a high level of trust
This area succinctly lays out the path of one livingand reliance on God and less on religious bodies,
the spiritual life. The section ends the book withpastors and tumultuous individuals. God, Christ
"God is Calling, listen." This was added to helpwithin the self is the Master Teacher and the aim
those who are seeking a way out of the hustleis to know God/Christ, not attain that which they
and bustle of today's anxiety driven workplace.seek: peace, health, prosperity, etc. Once there is
They want "out of the rat race" but are torna strong desire to know God, the next step is to
between the job and the paycheck that providesbe committed to staying the course. They should
for the daily support of themselves and theirkeep it simple, establishing a structure and
families. It offers advice and hope, to make thedeveloping a discipline; preferably a daily discipline
change for a life of peace and fulfillment.that may include periods of reading the Bible or
Tyler: Phyllis, it sounds like you very thoroughlyother good spiritual material, praying and
cover how to live as a spiritual being. I've hadmeditating. By the way, prayer is when we speak
heard it said that we are not humans looking forto God silently or aloud and meditation is when we
a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having abecome quiet and listen and wait for God. The
human experience? Would you agree?prayer/meditation time can be as short as a
Phyllis: Yes, without a doubt I agree. We are firstminute or two and gradually increased.
spiritual beings-going through a human experience.On the spiritual path distraction and interference
If we accept the Truth that God is Spirit and wefrom family, friends, co-workers and even in the
are made in the image and likeness of God, thenchurch should be expected, but the individual must
this is proof positive that we are spirit beings bypersevere. Discipleship means discipline; the
our divine heritage. We come into this worlddisciples were the disciplined ones. Change will not
programmed with the spiritual wisdom, intelligencetake place without commitment of time and
and all the qualities inherent in our God DNA. Ieffort; spiritual change is no different. Distraction in
guess here we can draw an analogy to thethe home is inevitable. As one attempts to make
scientific questions of which came first thepersonal changes it will impact the lives of others
chicken or the egg, or the nature or nurturearound them. It is natural to want to encourage
theory. Where did the knowingness in the DNA ofothers to join in the spiritual quest. To change one
a human that distinguishes it from a chicken or anmust want change; we cannot make another
elephant come from? Science has now concludedchange if that other does not want to change.
that behind everything, in its tiniest molecularThe one on the spiritual path must utilize quiet
particle, it is what they term "energy." This sometimes in bathrooms, or when others have gone to
people now conclude is the spirit in all living,bed to follow their discipline. Walks in a park or
breathing things-animate and inanimate.quiet times of reading and contemplation are
Proof that we are mighty spiritual beings goingoften fruitful and refreshing. My favorite was
through a human experience is seen in instanceslunch break in my car reading spiritual materials
of great challenges needing tremendous courage.and having periods of prayer and affirmations.
Where does the strength and power come fromThe more there is a need for change, the more
in small frame mothers or fathers, who are abledetermined and committed one should be to the
to lift an extremely heavy vehicle to save theirprocess. Eventually, an effective spiritual life will
child? What of the weak and frail who defy greathelp alleviate problems, whether through healing of
odds to overcome insurmountable challenges? Asconditions, relationships, or guidance to remove
the popular poem "Footprints" implies, "It is whenoneself from certain situations or environments.
the human is unable to carry itself that the SpiritTyler: Phyllis, what do you think makes "Anchor in
carries us." In spiritual transformation it would bethe Spirit as God Beings" stand out from other
extremely difficult to explain where inspiration,inspirational and spiritual books currently in the
spiritual insights and other physical manifestationsmarketplace?
come from. But they do happen, and when theyPhyllis: As I alluded to earlier and as attested to
do, it becomes proof positive that man is firstby endorsement from readers, the easy to
spiritual with all the wisdom and attributes of Godunderstand format and layout of "Anchor in the
Spirit locked within him. This is the fundamentalSpirit as God Beings," makes it stand out from
Truth revealed through Jesus Christ and theothers. It is unique in its compilation of songs,
message of Christianity-the Divinity of man. Didprayers, meditations, chants and other techniques
not His spirit triumph over His human experience?and acts as a guidebook for easy usage. In
Revealing to us today that when we lay downaddition to its guidebook format, the contents are
the physical body in the so-called death, the spiritexplained in easy to understand terms that allow
lives on in everlasting life? As in the beginning so inthe reader to make his/her individual choice of
the end-when the body experiences death thewhat to utilize. Though the layout and presentation
spirit lives on; therefore the spirit was alive beforeof the book is simple and easy to follow, it does
the body. The physical body embodies-is but thenot detract from the contents; this is attested to
clothes for the spirit; we are spiritual beings goingmy ministers in both New Thought and Traditional
through, or growing through a human experience.faiths. One or more readers praised the book for
Tyler: The book is a New Age approach tonot forcing anything on them, but instead
spirituality, and an alternative to more traditionalpresenting the material for them to "take it or
religious paths. Why do you feel the need toleave it." "The size and page volume of Anchor in
show a new or different path from traditionalthe Spirit as God Being, allow me to carry it in my
ones, and how would you respond to those whohand bag wherever I go," states one reader. "It
still think of "New Age" as something strange?makes me feel calm and I need that, when I feel
Phyllis: I am aware of the identification of thisstressed at work I open it and read a paragraph
type of spiritual thinking as New Age. In myor two," states a registered nurse in Philadelphia.
studies it is presented not as New Age but asAs the author, not only have I tried to remain
New Thought or Ancient Wisdom teaching, asauthentic in reporting my experience, but I am
interpreted and presented by many of thealso proud to have remained scriptural, avoiding
Spiritual Masters. Most new thoughts/beliefs andany tendency to present for mass or commercial
even some inventions are usually consideredappeal. Though the scripture presentations are
strange. Christianity was considered strange andNew Testament based with Christian overtones,
outlawed at the time of Jesus Christ. Jesusthe principles put forth could be applied to other
admonished that we follow the spirit of the wordreligious beliefs, substituting their religious texts.
and not just the letter. Many of the main lineThe message of "Anchor in the Spirit as God
religions today follow the dictates of the letter ofBeings" is timely to address today's human
the word and miss the spiritual component. Newconditions. As we struggle to cope with our hectic
Thought and Metaphysics stress the spirituallifestyles, seeking more peace for ourselves, our
components that stand behind all of life.families, our communities, our world and harmony
One of the things I hope my book points out ison our planet, it is important to give hope to the
that spirituality entered into with a fervent desirehelpless masses. Most major religions of the world
to know God works, regardless of denomination.hold firmly to their religious beliefs that have
God is Spirit and is not limited to the type ofbrought them through difficult periods. "Anchor in
religious affiliation, whether Christian, Buddhist,the Spirit as God Beings" is the testament of a
Muslim, Fundamentalist or New Thought/New Age.modern woman who used her Christian Truth
God is ready and waiting to respond to anyonebeliefs to see her through the most difficult period
who asks, seeks and knocks, regardless of theor her life. It worked and continues to work.
path he or she takes, and there are indeed manyTyler: Phyllis, now that you've finished your book,
paths. God gave mankind a mind and an intellect.what do you hope the future holds for you? Will
It is important that we use our minds and beyou write more books?
willing and open to learning and incorporating newPhyllis: I have just begun my writing career. As I
knowledge to allow for transformation of longmentioned earlier, I already have three other
held limiting beliefs. Faith is as you believe. Life ismanuscripts in the spiritual genre completed, just
impacted by our beliefs. If prayer, meditation,waiting the time to address publication. However,
love, psalms, peace, thanksgiving, praise and thebefore I publish those, I am focusing on one of
attributes of a God-life are strange, then Newmy passions-youth development. Within the next
Thought/New Age are strange and thanks be tofew months I will begin the process to publish a
God for them. These long held spiritual thoughtsbook addressing youths-to help them through
and beliefs are the Spiritual Truths interwoventheir current plights. I have worked with problem
throughout the scripture for those who haveyouths for the past eight years and am very
eyes to see and ears to hear. They work for myfamiliar with their problems, needs and wants, and
life and I can point to millions for whom theyI am committed to helping them.
work. Finally on this subject I must say howI am in the process of reopening Transformers
surprising it was for me to have feedback fromInternational Inc., my non-profit youth
fundamental Christians, including Ministers, whodevelopment agency. The focus will be inner city
applaud "Anchor in the Spirit."youths: development, behavior modification,
Tyler: One of the purposes of "Anchor in thementoring and trauma resolution. I will be reaching
Spirit" is to help people overcome the stress andout to parents, individuals, the community,
strain of daily living. What advice do you have tocorporations and everyone to help our youths
help people overcome stress and strain?reclaim their lives with hope, motivation and
Phyllis: To overcome stress and strain one mustinspiration for their future. So you can see I have
first admit to having stress and strain. The nextjust begun, and my hands are very full.
step is to identify the nature of the stress, how itTyler: Thank you for joining me today, Phyllis.
manifests itself and impacts the individual's copingBefore we go, will you tell our listeners about
system. The decision must then be made toyour website and what additional information they
address the problem by identifying the stressors,might find there about "Anchor in the Spirit as
relational, environmental, work, home, etc. OnceGod Beings: More than Mere Human?"
the source of the stress is identified steps andPhyllis: Thank you Tyler, it was indeed a pleasure
strategies must be developed and taken tojoining you and your readers today.
address the issue. The impact of stress can deMy web site presents highlights from various
debilitating on the mental, physical and emotionalchapters of the book that will give viewers a
planes of living and must be addressed.sample of the material and understand the
Due to the fast paced, computerized age we livecontents. It contains reviews about the book and
in today, most have feelings of stress, anxietyup to date endorsement by readers. I also offer
and being overwhelmed. To reduce stress wea 10-minute meditation to help instill peace and
must identify tasks that can be delegated orcalm. It is done to music and is very soothing. My
eliminated from our schedules. The remaining dailyweb site allows viewers to sign on for my
tasks must then be placed in order of importancemonthly E-letter Transform. In it I address
and priority. Time frames for the completion ofaspects of daily living and offer coping methods.
tasks will give the feeling of being in control andThese are areas that can be helped by applying
will overcome the feeling of being overwhelmedthe techniques in "Anchor in the Spirit as God
that causes stress and anxiety.Beings." also highlights some of my other products
Finally, to overcome stress and strain, we mustthat help to overcome the stresses and stressors
learn to say no without feeling guilty. We mustof daily living. The site is equipped for easy
prioritize what is important and avoid timeordering using Pay Pal.
consuming events done to please others. WeTyler: Thank you, Phyllis. I hope you find many
must learn to nurture the self. This can be simplemore readers and continue to help them make
alternatives like taking a leisurely warm bath attheir lives more spiritual and enjoyable.