Spiritual renaissance woman best describes Dr. Nanci Shanderá, who is a spiritual teacher, ordained senior minister and founder of EarthSpirit Center Church, writer, intuitive artist, dream teacher and now, proud Elder! Dr. Nanci, a Bridge to the Soul, brings many wonderful teachings and classes to locals, including The Art of Healing and Dreams for Healing, both classes for cancer patients and caregivers, plus What’s Right With You, Sacred Masks and much more.

When did you discover your spiritual beliefs and the desire to share them with others?

As a child, I was driven to study world religions, psychology, mythology, death & dying, and dreams. I came into this life to continue doing what I've done for lifetimes: being an advocate for transformation, inner freedom and individual expression of the Creative Divine. In my younger years, I thought I'd become an artist, writer and actor so I was surprised when Spirit led me to the Religious Science ministry where I ran the ministerial training school. Thanks to that and my studies with my teacher, Brugh Joy M.D., I was eventually led to creating EarthSpirit Center Church where I am director and senior minister. My desire to serve has also led to writing books on spiritual transformation, the newest of which, The Bridge to the Soul: Discovering What's Right with You Through Unconditional Self-Acceptance, will be published by the end of this year.

How do your classes benefit your students?

My classes benefit in two main ways: 1. Perceptions of realities are changed, expanded and heightened and 2. Healing has occurred in areas such as drug abuse, overeating, low self-esteem, narrow view of personal value in the world, physical ailments (or at least relationship to an illness), and spiritual evolvement. Though I offer individual work and tours to Britain’s crop circles and sacred sites, I love how group dynamics ignite transformation!

As an Elder, what words of advice do you have for the rest of us?

All my life I’ve had a vision of myself as a very old woman, sitting on a rocking chair on a cabin porch, teaching students seated around me. I was always so excited about being an Elder of our tribe (society) that I couldn't wait to grow old. Certainly aging has its challenges but the wisdom, clarity and deep sense of purpose far outweighs any temporary glitches. I've been told by my guidance that I would live well into my 100's so I believe it's my responsibility to keep my body temple and mind healthy and vital so I can continue to serve. My advice would be to change perceptions about what being an Elder means - and I don't mean "elder-ly" - the suffix "ly" means "like" or "as if" - I don't consider myself "like" an Elder - rather, I AM an Elder! I also don't care to be called a "senior" - whenever a young person in a store asks if I am one, I innocently ask them if they're a freshman! That usually gives them something to think about! In so many indigenous societies Elders are held in the highest esteem and consulted on all issues of the tribe or clan. I hope to be a voice for new vision and respect for our valued Elders.

Contact: Dr. Nanci Shanderá

265-9097

www.EarthSpiritCenter.com

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produced for Nevada City Advocate, August, 2009