A Spiritual Quest in the 21st Century If an individual wants to have personal experiences with the Divine, he or she may find a spiritual teacher – or teaching – to help in the quest. The well-known 13th century Persian poet, Rumi, found a beloved spiritual teacher in Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish and Godman. Their spiritual relationship was dynamic, mutually fruitful and life-changing. Rumi's poems are some of the most world-famous in spiritual literature. As the saying goes: When the student is ready, the Master appears. This author of this book was also seeking. Beyond the illusions and troubles of the world, material and psychic, she yearned for something more. Exactly what, was somewhat indefinable: an inner connection, a true purpose, joy, meaning, love in its most sacrosanct sense, and a freedom beyond all limitations. What part did she play in the grand scheme of things? Who was she really? About the time she discovered Rumi’s poems, she found a spiritual teacher and teaching that began a spiritual journey and life adventure. The journey is a work in progress. Like everyone’s, it embraces a lot: challenges, success, loss, joy, tears, lessons, and relationships of many kinds – the raw material of life. This collection reflects moments of realization, transformation, ecstasy, love, surrender, weakness and strength along a spiritual path filled with both human and spiritual experiences – one Soul’s journey along an illuminated way in the 21st century.