Do you know what a Centre of Consciousness is? Have you ever thought of finding one? Once you find it, what do you do with it? What has yoga and meditation to do with the Centre of Consciousness?
Answers to these and many other questions can be found in a book titled Sutras of the Inner Teacher The Yoga of the Centre of Consciousness. It is written by Drs. Martin and Marian Jerry, physician-scientist and clinical psychologist respectively.
Jerrys are now retired and live in Canmore.
During the Family Day long week-end, I decided to visit Canmore. I wanted to ski with my friends and to pay my respects to my mentor the man who gave me a start in Canada.
That mentor happens to be Dr. Martin Jerry. I also had a selfish reason to visit him and his lovely wife. I wanted to discuss and get advice on a couple of projects I am working on.
I first met Martin Jerry when I came to visit my parents in Calgary in the summer of 1979. I had finished my surgical training in Britain and was looking for a research fellowship in Canada.
Jerry was then Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary and Director of the Oncology Research Group of what later was to become Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
Jerry told me that he was looking for a research fellow in cancer immunology and the funding from the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) was already in place. After an interview and after completing other formalities he offered me the position that carried NCIC fellowship stipend of $1000.00 (one thousand dollars) per month.
I was single. I lived with my parents like a student, made some sacrifices and survived. I spent two years with Jerrys group. I remember Jerry as an outstanding teacher, clinician, researcher and mentor who took good care of me and all those who worked under his stewardship. I also had the pleasure of knowing his wonderful wife Marian and their two sons, Paul and Mark.
In fact Paul Jerry is a chartered psychologist in Medicine Hat. What a coincidence.
Over the years I have been in touch with the Jerrys. I keep them informed on the progress I make in life. I feel the man who gave me a start in Canada should know how I am doing. I am also fascinated with their book. I would like to find my Centre of Consciousness, find spiritual enlightenment and take care of my fears and phobias. Is yoga and meditation the answer?
I believe so. Only time will tell whether I have the discipline to achieve that spiritual enlightenment. Jerrys book says, No one can carry you to the mountain top. You can be guided, but eventually you must climb to the peak yourself to achieve complete mastery.
The book is a good guide. And the visit to Canmore was very enriching. We talked about the past, the present and the future. I got the advice I needed to keep my projects on the right track and learnt again that there are kind and caring people in this world who do make a difference in a very private and quite way. For that I am thankful. I pray for their good health and happy retirement.
Start reading the preview of my book A Doctor's Journey for free on Amazon. Available on Kindle for $2.99!