Maetreyii Ma Nolan, Ph.D., is an extraordinary figure in today’s literary and spiritual landscape. Renowned as an award-winning author, spiritual teacher, and psychologist, she brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to both her written works and her teachings. Her ability to weave together the profound threads of psychology and spirituality has inspired countless readers and seekers across the globe. With each of her books, Maetreyii Ma invites us into a journey of self-discovery, heartfelt authenticity, and connection to the infinite. Her works resonate deeply, as they speak to the timeless truths of human existence and spiritual awakening.
Her remarkable contributions include Living Love, The Yoga of Yama and Niyama, a brilliant exploration of yogic principles and how they apply to modern life, offering a roadmap to fulfilment through self-discipline and compassion. Her deeply personal book, Into the Heart of the Infinite, serves as a beacon to those yearning to access the universal truths of yogic philosophy through the lens of her own transformative journey. Whether through poetry, prose, or practical guidance, her writings embody an invitation to transcend limitations and embrace the essence of love and unity.
In this issue of Reader’s House, we are privileged to present an intimate interview with Maetreyii Ma Nolan. She shares her reflections on spirituality, meditation, and the profound role of nature in her life. Her words are imbued with a rare clarity and grace, offering not just knowledge but the gentle encouragement to live a life of depth and meaning. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted as we delve into the mind and heart of this gifted author and teacher.
“Maetreyii Ma Nolan’s profound wisdom, heartfelt authenticity, and transformative writings inspire countless seekers on their journeys to spiritual awakening.“
How has your journey as a spiritual teacher influenced your approach to writing?
The mystical experiences I have had of the numinous are what inspired me to begin writing. Through my books about spiritual life and about my own spiritual journey, I hope to support others in their connection to deeper levels of their being.
I try in writing, as best I am able, to capture the experience of Divine Presence and infinite love, whether it be through pros or the poetry of the soul. Writing in authenticity from the heart and sharing the gifts of spirit is what inspires me.
“Writing in authenticity from the heart and sharing the gifts of spirit is what inspires me.” – Maetreyii Ma Nolan
What inspired you to explore the teachings of Yama and Niyama in your book Living Love?
I find these principles to be really important. The yogic principles of Yama and Niyama are foundational to meditative practices that connect you to Essence. They give sound psychological advice for living a successful and fulfilling life.
In my book, Living Love, The Yoga of Yama and Niyama, I go into the psychological issues that confront us and how we can live a life that is not only meditative but in which we can fully realize our human potential. I feel that exploring the ancient teachings of yoga and their practical psychological application can really assist us in reaching our full potential.
Can you share insights on how to maintain inner peace amidst life’s challenges?
Be authentic, practice being kind, loving yourself and others, live with simplicity, and have a meditative practice, a time where you can relax and let go into your deeper essence. In yogic practices, this is a part of applying Yama and Niyama.
“Yogic philosophy is founded on the direct experiences of other people—the personal realisations of yogis of the past.” – Maetreyii Ma Nolan
How do you view the relationship between personal spiritual experiences and the universal truths found in yogic philosophy?
I find that my personal spiritual experiences are described in yogic philosophy. Yogic philosophy is founded on the direct experiences of other people – the personal realizations of yogis of the past. I believe the universal truths they realized and the deep unitary wholeness they reference are there for us all to experience.
That is why I have written Into the Heart of the Infinite, the story of my own journey of spirit. It explores the universal truths found in yogic philosophy through the story of my journey. I have shared this journey in the hopes that it can inspire others on their journey of spirit, and from the feedback I have gotten, I see that it appears to be doing just that.
What role does nature play in your spiritual practice and daily life?
I love animals and trees. Their minds are simple and, in a way, purer in their connectedness. They are my good friends and have been vital to me experiencing the love and wholeness of being that underlies everything.
When I want to have peace and connectedness, I find spending time in a natural setting very helpful. When my cat sits upon my lap and looks up into my eyes, I feel as if the Divine Being has manifested in the form of a cat giving simple, unconditional love, and I feel our unity and the bliss of wholeness.
If we are open to it, natural settings connect us to the whole in the peace and simplicity of Mother Nature.
How can someone new to meditation begin to experience the mystical depths you describe in your writings?
By letting go of self-definitions, self-blame, and criticism of self and others, as well as the burdens of life, surrendering it all to the Infinite One. Also, reading about Yama and Niyama and setting up a practice of these principles in your life can be very useful.
The mystical depths are there for all of us to know. It is just our ideas, beliefs, and conditioned mind that prevents us from the direct experience of our natural state of being in deep, universal, aware love.
